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EIGHTY-FOURTH REGIMENT, 



Pennsylvania Volunteer^. 



(INFANTRY.) 



ADDRESS 



Captain Thomas E. Merchant, 



DEDICATION OK MONUMENT, 



Battlefield of Gettysburg, 



1889. 



.5 
?4^ 






PRESS OF 

£h«mmi (: (Erf, ^hilsultlphia. 




jN the 15th June, 1887, the State of Pennsyl- 
vania provided for the erection of a Memorial 
Tablet, or Monument, for each of the Penn- 
sylvania Commands that participated in the Battle of 
Gettysburg, July 1st, 2d and 3d, 1863. 

At a Re-Union of the 84th Regiment held at Hunt- 
ingdon, Pa., 21st September, 1887, Captain Thos. E. 
Merchant, Gen. Geo. Zinn, Adjutant Edmund Mather, 
Sergeant A. J. Hertzler, and Henry L. Bunker, were 
appointed a Committee on Monument, with full power 
to act as to design, inscription and dedication. 

The dates, September llth and 12th, 1889, were 
named by the Governor of the Commonwealth to be 
"Pennsylvania Days" — Wednesday, the llth, for the 
dedication of the Monuments by the Associations of 
the respective Commands; and Thursday, the 12th, for 
the transfer of the Monuments to the State. 

On the 10th August, 1889, full information of the 
Day was sent to every Soldier of the 84th, whose ad- 
dress was known, and the response had in the attendance 
of one hundred and forty-six Comrades, coming from 
all parts of the State and some from beyond, spoke for- 
cibly to the memory, and testified clearly to the reality 



_4 — 

of the old Command. The presence of so large a num- 
ber so many years after the War, tended to, and did, 
awaken the most earnest feeling, and every one knew 
how great was the loss to the Comrades not there. 

The introductory words at the Monument by x the 
Vice-President of the Regimental Association, Captain 
Robert Johnson, were highly appropriate to the occa- 
sion, and marked the earnestness of the ceremony in 
which the Soldiers of the 84th were now engaged. 

The Chaplain of the Association, Rev. John P. Nor- 
man, Surgeon of the Regiment, offered Prayer. 

Letters from absent Comrades were read by Adjutant 
Mather. 

Gen. Joseph B. Carr, whose Brigade (the 1st, 2d 
Division, 3d Corps) in the Gettysburg Campaign in- 
cluded the 84th, had expressed his earnest wish to be 
present at the dedication, a feeling on his part highly 
gratifying to Soldiers who had served under so able a 
Commander. 

While desiring it to be understood that he was there 
as a hearer, to witness the services, he felt that he could 
not properly refuse to respond to the request for a talk, 
which he did most cheerfully. 

His words, written in granite, would stand as a Mon- 
ument of Honor to the Regiment so long as the stone 
would endure. 



— 5 



A group picture, taken at the time of the dedication, 
will be of lasting interest. At no time since their mus- 
ter-out had there been so many Soldiers of the Regi- 
ment touching elbow, and never, this side, will there be 
again so many. 

The Address by Captain Merchant, Chairman of the 
Committee on Monument, is published in compliance 
with the expressed desire of the surviving members of 
the Regiment. 





OLDIERS of the Eighty-Fourth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers : 
If the feeling with which these words of sal- 
utation are heard and accepted, is like unto the feeling 
that prompts their utterance, then are we fully compen- 
sated in our coming together. 

We name the old Regiment, and what recollections 
crowd in upon us ; memories of the camp, the march, and 
the field. Some fond — many weighted with the touch 
of sorrow felt in its heavy burden even until now, 
through all of so much of time. 

In the presence of these recollections I could not hope 
to control your thought. I would not ask you simply 
to follow words as I speak them, but rather that you be 
all of memory, all of feeling, thinking, listening the 
while if you can, but surely thinking. For in thought 
you can cover more ground in moments than I could 
travel for you in days. 

Together you comprise the Whole Book, the turning 
of whose pages wakens memory to every detail, while 
from the one individual you can have no more than 
the head-lines to the volume whose contents you are so 
familiar with. 



Together you know what our Regiment was ; alone 
I can but outline to you, and that roughly, a meagre 
part of the full story of the 84th. 

Its history could be found only in the everything 
that could be told by each of all the hundreds, living 
and dead, who numbered its total strength. But where 
your special individual interest lies it is not possible 
for me to tread. I wish I could tell the story of every 
Company, relate the incidents of every mess, and note 
the experiences of every individual. 

Many the time we have recalled our comradeship, 
more especially with those with whom we were brought 
in the closer association. It would be a pleasant theme 
were I at liberty to name the latter and their never- 
forgotten deeds, that I might place on record my keen 
appreciation of their kindly acts at a time when kind- 
ness was most to be valued, and fidelity most to be 
prized. But in whatever I do upon this occasion, I 
stand reminded that I am not to tread over again my 
individual walk, nor speak again my personal conver- 
sation. What is said — what is done — shall be, so far 
as may be, of all for all. 

Not many of us had the opportunity to know very 
much outside the limits of the Company ; and fewer of 
us beyond the limits of the Regiment. And it was well 
for good service that the majority of soldiers were con- 



— 9 — 

tent with the work assigned them, and gave but little 
heed to the details of location of armies or corps, and 
but little thought to the place of divisions or brigades. 

Who was the best-posted man on the news ? Who 
the readiest army talker? Who the general of the 
camp ? The soldier who was not to be found in the 
place his enlistment called for at the time when his 
presence would have told the most. It was well for the 
service that he did not number many. 

The good soldier ought not to think it strange, that 

while in everything he did his duty well, he does not 

know much of what was done by regiments other than 

his own, and would be at a loss to name the number of 

his brigade. Nor must he think that the comrade who 

stood side by side with him is the only one mistaken as 

to the occurrences of the day. It would not always be 

well to accept a soldier of F Co. as a conclusive witness 

of what took place in E, if there was dispute as to the 

bearing of the line, or question as to who were the first 

to advance ; and yet, no one will bend the ear more 

gladly than myself to the recitals of a soldier in fact, 

because I know he gives us the truth as he believes it. 

And if from the data thus gathered, I count that his 

regiment was killed, or permanently disabled, twice 

over, I attribute the outcome to a lack somewhere in the 

arithmetic, and not to a vice in the teller. And, in this 

2 



— 10 — 

connection, we must not overlook the fact of the years 
that have rolled by. 

Twenty-four years and upward in the circle of time 
measures the distance of our close, very close, comrade- 
ship. Years more than many of us had numbered 
prior to the beginning, four years before, of the long 
campaign. The time that preceded and that which has 
followed, make up the life ordinary. The long four 
years was the life within the other life. In it was con- 
tained the greatest of all wars from the world's begin- 
ning — the war against the Rebellion of '61. 

Hirelings were not upon either side. It was man 
against man in the fight. Soldier pitted against soldier. 
Each individual fighting the issue which so nearly con- 
cerned himself. It was the greatest of rebellions against 
the grandest of governments. If successful, to the 
world it would have been the greatest and grandest of 
revolutions. 

It was not a conflict forced merely for the perpetua- 
tion of slavery. It was the institution of the crown, 
and not preservation of the chattel, that most moved 
the men who moved the South from '89 to '61. 

One people in Government, and yet in sentiment and 
practices as far removed as two nationalities. 

Forced together for mutual protection, yet from the 



— 11 — 

beginning thoroughly divided in appreciation of the 
powers of a free Government. 

In human direction, it was but a run of time when, 
as a Government for the whole people, the central 
power would be called upon to assert itself by the power 
of might. 

Neither of the existing conditions would have won 
to the United States a constitution for their government 
such as was fixed upon and has come along, in its 
working, through all of a hundred years, without a 
break in any of its provisions. Every line of it, as to 
matters upon which men could differ, was agreed upon for 
submission to the States, because necessity admitted of 
no other course for them, and live. Well was it for 
stability of government that, when the substance had 
passed the gauntlet of discussion, the words had been 
so well placed, that not a letter was found astray when 
the great test came. No document of State has, or ever 
will, surpass it in sublimity of thought, arrangement of 
detail, clearness of expression, or force of power. 

In the assertion of the binding powers of this Con- 
stitution, the 84th had a part, and you were a part of 
the 84th. 

Your Regiment was to you the command which cen- 
tred your soldier life. And well content may you be 
in the fact that its character secured for it a reputation 



— 12 — 

which, to every one of us, has been a thing of just and 
affectionate pride. I studied that character at a time 
when I felt it was everything to nie. My varied ex- 
periences in the several positions in company and regi- 
ment, which I occupied, enabled me to found a judg- 
ment which has been very clearly and most positively 
strengthened by every knowledge since acquired. The 
tenor of that judgment you will gather as I proceed, in 
an imperfect way, to tell you a part of what you did in 
three years and nine months of soldier life. 

Recruiting and Organization. 

In the month of July, 1861, authority was granted, 
directly by the Secretary of War, to recruit in the west- 
ern part of Pennsylvania the Mountain Brigade, to be 
composed of Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery ; and upon 
its organization to be mustered into the service of the 
United States. 

Among the persons named in the order was one J. 
Y. James, who was to be assigned to the command of 
the troops when thus organized. 

The recruiting camp for the Infantry was located 
three miles out of the town of Huntingdon, on the 
Warm Springs Road. 

In accordance with the purpose that the recruiting 
and organization of the Brigade should be under the 



— 13 — 

direction of a Regular Army officer, Captain Crossman, 
of the Quartermaster's Department, United States Army, 
was detailed by the War Department for that duty, 
hence the name given to the camp to which the early 
recruits of the 84th ever looked back as their original 
soldier home, and the birth-place of the Regiment. 

The projectors of the Brigade had reached out to 
three regiments of Infantry, to be numbered, respec- 
tively, 84, 110, and, somewhat uncertain but said to be, 
39. 

I have given the numbers in the order named, plac- 
ing the 84th at the head, in view of the fact that its 
commander was to be the ranking regimental officer of 
the Brigade. 

William G. Murray, Blair County, was selected as 
the Colonel of the 84th ; 

William D. Lewis, of Philadelphia, as Colonel of the 
110th; and 

Curtis, of Philadelphia, as Colonel of the 

third regiment. 

Whatever was done toward the building up of the 
last-named regiment came to naught by the promulga- 
tion of an order transferring its recruits to the 110th, 
and making transfers from the 110th to the 84th. 
While the reason for this double transfer has been inti- 



— 14 — 

mated, it is not so certainly correct as to justify its 
statement as altogether fact. 

The brigade feature failed of accomplishment. Cav- 
alry nor Artillery put in an appearance ; and James, 
the proposed Brigade Commander, did not identify 
himself with either regiment. 

But, while James did not become commander of the 
Mountain Brigade, the attempt to so locate him did 
place in the field two of the most efficient among all the 
regiments that entered their country's service in the 
War of the Rebellion, whether in the Army of the 
Shenandoah, the Army of Virginia, the Army of the 
Potomac, or any other of the armies of the Union. 

Recruiting for the 84th commenced early in the 
month of August, the first enlistment date on the roll 
being the 16th of that month. 

I do not venture the name of the first soldier of the 
Regiment, lest, like to the naming of the youngest boy 
in the army, I might afterwards be met with scores of 
avowals that the record does not show strictly correct. 
Then, again, the serenity of manner, and mildness of 
word, with which a soldier is wont to put a criticism, 
makes it desirable to avoid placing such a necessity be- 
fore him, if a simple omission will save his feeling upon 
the particular point, and the service be in no way in- 
jured thereby. 



— 15 — 

On the 23d of October, the Regimental organization 
was effected. 

In November, the Regiment was ordered to report at 
Camp Curtin, which most Pennsylvania soldiers re- 
member so well as overlooking Harrisburg. Here the 
enlistments were continued, and on the 23d of Decem- 
ber the officers and men were mustered as a regiment 
into the service of the United States for three years, 
there being at the time nine companies, " H " omitted. 

Two days previous to the muster, the Regiment was 
presented by Governor Curtin, on behalf of the State, 
with the Colors. 



The Field and Staff Officers were 



Colonel, 

Lieutenant Colonel, 
Major, 
Adjutant, . 
Quartermaster, . 
Surgeon, . 
Assistant Surgeon, 
Chaplain, . 



William G. Murray. 
Thomas C. MacDowell. 
Walter Barrett, 
Thomas H. Craig. 
John M. Kepheart. 
Gideon F. Hoop. 
C. A. W. Redlick. 
Alexander McLeod. 



Sergeant Major, . . William M. Gwinn. 

Quartermaster Sergeant, . G. A. Ramey. 

Drum Major, . . . Foster Wighaman. 

Fife Major, . . . Thaddeus Albert. 



— 16 — 

Line Officers: 

"A" Co. 
Captain, .... Robert L. Horrell. 
First Lieutenant, . . Jonathan Derno. 
Second Lieutenant, . . Charles Reem. 

"B." 
Captain, .... Harrison W. Miles. 
First Lieutenant, . . Samuel Bryan. 
Second Lieutenant, . . George Zinn. 

"C." 
Captain, .... Abraham J. Crissman. 
First Lieutenant, . . B. M. Morrow. 
Second Lieutenant, . . Charles O'Neill. 

"D." 
Captain, .... Alexander J. Frick. 
First Lieutenant, . . Uzal H. Ent. 
Second Lieutenant,. . Calvin MacDowell. 

" E." 
Captain, .... Patrick Gallagher. 
First Lieutenant, . . Patrick F. Walsh. 
Second Lieutenant, . John Maloney. 

Captain, .... Robert M. Flack. 
First Lieutenant, . . Milton Opp. 
Second Lieutenant, . . Jacob Peterman. 



— 17 — 



Captain, . 

First Lieutenant, . 

Second Lieutenant, 



"G." 
. J. Merrick Housler. 
. James Ingram. 
. D, N. Taggart. 



Captain, . 

First Lieutenant, . 

Second Lieutenant, 



Captain, . 

First Lieutenant, . 

Second Lieutenant, 



. Joseph L. Curby. 

. Clarence L. Barrett. 

. John W. Paulley. 

" K." 

. Matthew Ogden. 

. Charles H. Volk. 

. John W. Taylor. 



Strength of Companies 



Officers. 


Serg'ts. ' 


Corp' Is. . 


Privates. 


Music ns. 


W agon s. 


l otai 


A 3 


5 


8 


77 


2 


1 


96 


B 3 


5 


5 


44 


3 


1 


61 


C 3 


5 


8 


67 


2 


1 


86 


D 3 


5 


3 


67 


2 


1 


81 


E 3 


5 


6 


73 


2 


1 


90 


F 3 


4 


4 


70 


2 


1 


84 


G 3 


5 


2 


70 


2 


1 


83 


I 3 


5 


8 


75 


2 


1 


94 


K 3 


5 


8 


72 


2 


1 


91 



Total officers and men, 



766 



— 18 — 

Murray's selection for the Colonelcy of the 84th may 
be attributed to the part which he took as an officer in 
the Mexican War, where he did honorable and praise- 
worthy service. 

Several of the men had responded promptly to .the 
first call for three months' troops, and were now on their 
way for the longer term. 

Off to the " Front." 

On the 31st of December, the last day of the year, 
1861, acting upon orders received to report at Hancock, 
Maryland, the Regiment left Harrisburg at two o'clock 
in the afternoon, on a train made up of twenty-one cars, 
for Hagerstown, where it arrived at six o'clock in the 
evening of that day. 

First March. 

On the first of January, 1862, early in the morning, 
began the first in the long series of the weary, foot- 
sore, leg-tiring, patience-testing and body-exhausting 
marches which were to be taken in the coining three 
and a half years. 

The morning was cold — cold enough to do full jus- 
tice to the time of the season and the season of the year, 
what we characterize a bitter day, and a bitter experi- 



— 19 — 

ence was it for the boys who were yet to learn the at- 
tendants of war. A driving wind, with a fall of snow, 
made what would have been a more than uncomfortable 
bivouac for the night, were it not that to the weary 
traveller there is not less of comfort in stopping than 
in going. It was the less for the greater hardship, and 
the freezing could go on through the night unaccom- 
panied by the strain of the march. 

Clear Spring had been left behind through the day, 
and the stop at night was without tents. 

Arrival at the "Front." 

Nine o'clock of the 2d marked the Regiment again 
on the way, and on the mountain top at Fairview was 
had the first sight of secession land, the Dixie of the 
song, and then on to Hancock, by the bank of the Po- 
tomac, the terminal of the order that initiated the war 
service that started active, and on that line developed, 
continuously, to a fulness sufficient to meet the hardiest 
speculations of the most radical expectant. 

The National Pike furnished the roadway from Ha- 
gerstown to Hancock. 

The arrival at Hancock was in the evening of the 
2d. The Regiment was put in quarters just vacated by 



— 20 — 

the 13th Massachusetts, which had been passed on its 
way down the river in canal boats. 

The day of arrival at Hancock was in the ninth 
month of a War that had not been lacking in vigor of 
movement on the part of the foe which the Government 
had encountered, and yet so little of system had been 
attained, and so little of war wisdom sought after, that 
a regiment of soldiers was travelled from Harrisburg 
without arms, and that to a point just across a river, 
narrow and shallow, from where lie the forces whose 
movements the regiment had been sent to check. 

On the 3d, the guns were handed out. They were 
of the old Belgian make, containing all the tallow that 
the barrel would accommodate in addition to the sev- 
eral cartridges necessary to be supplied before the 
moistened powder could be induced to ignite. When 
they were carried over into Virginia, and the warmth 
of the fire reached the explosive grain, you can think 
now, as you realized then, that even the Belgian was 
not built to throw more than one ball at the same fire 
without repairs to one or the other — the gun or the 
man. 

But why say, or even think fault of what was done, 
for what was not done, then. Everybody is wiser now. 

Through all its after course the Regiment proved 
itself full worthy of the reputation, at that time, so 



— 21 — 

early in its history, at the very beginning of its first 
campaign, impliedly accorded it, that it would go 
wherever ordered to go, and pick up on the way what- 
ever could be found most effective for the best work. 

And there was the full Regulation uniform. The 
appearance presented in the dark blue, the tail coat, the 
plentiful hat, and the extra cap. Who can say that 
these things were not sufficient to keep Stonewall Jack- 
son on the other side, notwithstanding the apparent ab- 
sence of arms ? for, competent soldier that he was, he 
could not have been induced to believe that, in the 
ninth month of the War, a regiment of United States 
Regulars would have been permitted at the front with- 
out all requisite paraphernalia close at hand. 

Initial Encounter with the Enemy. 

On the night of the 3d, the Regiment was crossed 
over the Potomac on scows, and marched six miles 
across the country to Bath, the summer resort known as 
Berkly Springs. 

Here were met Car^tain Russell's company of First 
Maryland Cavalry, two companies of the 39th Illinois 
Infantry, and a section of Artillery, two guns, with 
which force the 84th was to co-operate, with Colonel 
Murray, the ranking officer, in command. 

On the morning of the 4th, from out of Bath, up on 



— 22 — 

the mountain top, and there formed in line. From this 
point the rebel army could be plainly seen advancing 
along the three roads; Jackson's force of 10,000, con- 
sisting of Ewell's, Longstreet's and Early's brigades, 
supplemented by Ashby's Cavalry. 

A detail from the Regiment was thrown out as pickets 
or skirmishers. It is hardly required to say that 
these were forced back as the enemy moved on, until 
our small force was almost surrounded. Sufficient show 
of strength was kept up to deter Jackson from moving- 
faster. 

About one o'clock in the afternoon, word was had 
that the Artillery had exhausted their ammunition, 
and Murray concluded to fall back. The Regiment 
could not return by the way it had come. A guide was 
sought, found and pressed into the service. His incli- 
nation was much toward the other side, and he soon 
showed himself more desirous of coming up with Ashby 
than of pointing out a safe approach to the river. At 
one point he came so near the accomplishment of his 
purpose, that Murray gave him a gentle caution in 
about these words : If one of my men loses his life by 
your movement, your own life will be the forfeit. Thus 
kindly admonished, the guide changed the course of the 
march and conducted the Regiment to Sir John's Run, 
six miles up the river, from which point the way was 



— 23 — 

along the railroad, under the high bluffs, to the old 
mill opposite Hancock. 

The problem now presented was how to avoid attack 
while recrossing. Upon Captain Russell's suggestion 
the two companies of the 39th Illinois were placed in 
ambush, while he so disposed his men as to draw Ashby 
on. The manoeuvre worked well, and Ashby was so 
much surprised by the unexpected fire as to desist from 
further attempt. 

Some of the men, to avoid the delay attending the 
slow navigation of the ancient ferry, adopted the alter- 
native of wading the stream, trusting to the artillery 
fire of the enemy to warm them up by the time they 
reached the other side. 

In the crossing, one man was lost to the Regiment — 
whether to the world is to this hour a question. 

As an addendum to the story of the muskets, it may 
be stated that the Regiment crossed the river without 
belts, cartridge boxes or cap pouches, carrying the 
cartridges in one pocket and the caps in the other. 
This omission was for want of time to adjust the belts. 

It seems incredible that less than a thousand men 
were thus successful in holding so many thousand in 
check for an entire day, and without death, wound or 
capture of a man. However, the good service was in 
fact done, and history is no more remiss as to this event 



— 24 — 

than it is as to the deprivation, toil and fighting of all 
the campaign in the Valley to July of '62. 

On the night of the 4th, General Lander arrived at 
Hancock and assumed command of all the troops. 

Joined by the 110th. 

The regiment that was to go side by side with the 
84th for the coming eighteen months, now composed a 
part of the force at Hancock, the 110th Pa. 

The enemy kept up the artillery fire from the bluffs 
opposite until midnight. 

On the morning of the 5th, under cover of a flag of 
truce, Ashby came over the river and was met at the 
bank by Colonel Murray. Ashby was blindfolded and 
conducted to the quarters of " B " company, into a room 
occupied by the Captain, 1st Lieutenant, and 1st Ser- 
geant. The bandage being removed, Ashby put the 
question: "Who did you say is in command here?" 
Murray replied : " I do not think I said who is in com- 
mand." Ashby 's expert question not bringing the ex- 
pected reply, he then delivered to Murray the message 
he had from Jackson, a demand of the commanding 
officer of the troops for the surrender of the town within 
two hours, or he would shell it. Murray turned Ashby 
over to the care of Sergeant Mather, while he went to 
General Lander to repeat Jackson's demand. 



— 25 — 

Lander was desirous of knowing how long our men 
would stand under fire, and upon being assured by 
Murray that they had acted very well the day before, 
he refused the demand, in terms much emphasized, with 
the suggestion, that if Jackson wanted the town he 
would have to take it. 

When Murray had delivered Lander's reply to Ashby, 
he reconducted the latter to the river bank, and Ashby 
recrossed. 

The details of this incident are given as showing the 
aptness of the commander of the 84th for a sudden and 
trying occasion. 

Notice was given to the citizens of the threatened 
shelling, and they were not long in getting beyond ar- 
tillery limits. 

Our men were placed in the streets at points best 
adapted for checking any attempt of the enemy to cross. 

At the appointed time the fire commenced and con- 
tinued through the day. 

On the 6th, the artillery fire was mostly from our 
side. 

On the 7th and 8th, reinforcements arrived. 

This mid-winter movement of Jackson from Win- 
chester was for the purpose of capturing the stores at 
Romney, Virginia, by surprise of the small force sta- 
tioned there. 



26 



As soon as Lander became aware of Jackson's pur- 
pose he started off in a two-horse wagon, accompanied 
only by his Adjutant; drove as rajndly as he could 
along the National Pike to Cumberland, then across 
the river, and from there to Roumey, in time to pre- 
vent the hoped-for surprise, and to get the troops away 
with all the stores that could be removed, destroying 
the remainder. 

March to Cumberland. 

On the 10th, started from Hancock in company with 
the 110th Pa. and Andrews' Independent Company of 
Sharp Shooters, inarched 18 miles, stopping at half 
past two the next morning. 

A detail from the Regiment boarded a canal boat 
loaded with ammunition, as a guard to Cumberland. 
Their saving of a march was somewhat offset by a keen 
appreciation of the situation, knowing that a well- 
directed, or even stray, shot would destroy the boat and 
all of the boat load. The hoofs of the motive power 
were muffled to deaden the tram}} of the mule. 

Continued, on the 11th, along the National Pike, the 
last contingent reaching Cumberland on the 12th, and 
closing a forced march of 40 miles. 

Jackson, baffled in his purpose, returned to Win- 
chester. His Georgia troops esjiecially suffered severely 
from their winter march. 



— 27 — 

On the 16th, from Cumberland to North Branch 
Bridge on the Virginia side. 

On the 17th, at 3 p.m., review of all the troops. 

On the 25th, first muster for pay, and on 

February 5th, first >j)ay drawn. 

On the 6th, at 6 a.m., taken on cars to South Branch 
Bridge, this being the beginning of the movement to 
re-open the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from Cum- 
berland down. 

On the 9th, reached Paw-Paw Tunnel, and bivou- 
acked in the snow. 

On the 10th, put up tents along the river; known as 
Camp Chase ; and 

On the 11th, reviewed by Colonel Kimball. 

On the 13th, all the troops, excepting the 84th Pa. 
and 7th Va., left for Winchester, along with the artil- 
lery. 

On the 21st, first battalion drill. 

22d, review by General Lander. 

28th, ordered to be ready to move at a moment's 
notice. 

On March 2d, at Paw-Paw, occurred the death of 
General Lander from wound received at Balls Bluff. 
Colonel Kimball succeeded to the command. 

On the 3d, obsequies attending General Lander's 
death. 



— 28 — 

On the 6th, marched as far as Back Creek, 8 miles 
below Hancock, on the Virginia side. At this creek 
the Regiment crossed on a suspension bridge of two 
wire ropes with boards laid thereon, sixty feet above the 
water. 

At two o'clock on the morning of the 7th, arrived at 
Martinsburg. 

Assigned to Shields' Division. 

On the 8th, by order of the President, the troops 
operating in Virginia were classed in Five Army Corps 
— the 5th comprised of Banks' and Shields' Divisions, 
the 84th being assigned to the 2d Brigade (Carroll), 
2d Division (Shields), 5th Corps (Banks). 

Shenandoah Valley Campaign. 

On the 11th, from Martinsburg at 8 a.m., reaching 
Bunker's Hill at 4 p.m., from there at 11 p.m., halting 
at 3 a.m. of the 12th, 18 miles from Martinsburg and 
four from Winchester. At 8 a.m. advanced one-half 
mile and formed line. Winchester occupied by Union 
troops. Artillery fire kept up through the day of the 
13th. 

On the night of the 14th, tents arrived and were put 
up on the ground known as Camp Kimball, two miles 
north of Winchester. 



— 29 — 

On the 18th, moved at 11 a.m., through Winchester, 
marching 14 miles in the direction of Strasburg. 

On the 19th, marched through Strasburg and three 
miles beyond, when it was learned that Jackson had 
burned the bridge at Cedar Creek. Returned to within 
one mile of Strasburg, and 

On the 20th, our troops took up the march for Win- 
chester, covering the distance, 21 miles, through mud 
and rain, without a halt, and reaching Camp Kimball 
at 8 p.m. 

Banks now supposed that Jackson had departed with 
his army from the Valley, and, in that belief, moved 
all his force, with the exception of Shields' Division, 
east of the Blue Ridge, and, on the morning of the 22d, 
himself started for Washington. Only a few hours 
later, 4 p.m., and Ashby's artillery made known to 
Shields that Jackson had returned. 

Shields immediately advanced a part of his Division, 
commanding in person, with orders to Kimball, whose 
Brigade included the 84th, to follow with the remainder 
to a point on the Pike two miles south of Winchester. 

It was at 4.30 when the Regiment received orders to 
" Fall-in." 

Shields was brought back wounded, having been 
struck by a piece of shell. This placed Kimball in 
immediate command on the field, though Shields, from 



— 30 — 

his quarters in the rear, continued through the re- 
mainder of this and the following day to receive infor- 
mation of the situation, and, as far as he possibly could, 
direct the course to be taken. 

Between five and six o'clock the Regiment was or- 
dered to the side of the road and there laid through the 
night. 

At the close of the day Jackson's whole force was 
about half way between Winchester and Kernstown. 

Again the error was committed in supposing that 
Jackson was out of the way. 

Battle of Winchester. 

On the morning of Sunday, the 23d, the Regiment 
was ordered into camp on the left of the Kernstown 
Road, and it was while Colonel Murray was engaged in 
laying out the ground, word came that a battle was at 
hand, and immediately the order was given to " Fall in." 

The artillery fire opened about eleven o'clock. 

The Regiment was ordered to take position on the 

extreme right of the Division line, and about 2 p.m. 

was ordered to the centre in support of Clark's Regular 

and Robinson's Ohio Batteries. 

The attack on the left of the Division at this time 

was successfully met by Sullivan's Brigade. 

After this repulse, Jackson's attention was directed 



— 31 — 

to our right. Passing his troops along our front, under 
cover of the woods, he took a position commanding the 
right of the Division and with a view to turning that 
flank and. getting to our rear. To aid in this move- 
ment, with his men well protected, he started a furious 
fire from his guns at a distance of half a mile. 

About four o'clock the order came from Kimball to 
Murray to charge straight up to the battery and take 
it if possible. 

The place of the battery was the very key to the 
enemy's position. 

That hour, near the close of that March day, the 23d, 
made for the 84th Pa. a reputation which was never for 
a moment blurred in any of its after course. The Regi- 
ment equalled itself on other fields, at other times, but 
it never could have had the opportunity to surpass the 
gallantry, the true bravery, the manly courage, the 
noble heroism, the devotion to country, displayed at 
Winchester, its first battle. 

As it did then, so it did always. Wherever ordered 
to go it went. Through forest, across open field, was 
no matter in the execution of the order to go. Its Sol- 
diers never stopped to estimate the probable result. 
Casualties were noted only after the battle, when they 
went upon the roll as unalterable fact. 

On this day, over the intervening space, went the 
Regiment, and Murray with it. 



— 32 — 

No doubt, then, of the moral worth of their comman- 
der. No waver of thought then as to the true courage 
of their leader. But for one moment following upon 
the contest, in which for officers and men to have spoken 
to him the word which would have been their every 
assurance, that in the sure test of a soldier he had proved 
himself all that could have been asked for, and more. 
But time, this side, with him, had stopped, ere the Regi- 
ment crossed the line of its victory. Where the Regi- 
ment was to strike his line, the enemy was in strong 
position on the edge of a wood, behind natural breast- 
works of rocks and hillocks, and with two hundred 
yards of open space to his front. 

The moment the order to charge was received, the 
Regiment started off by the flank, the Pioneer corps in 
the advance to take clown fences. Down the hill, over 
the meadow ground and through the woods to the open- 
ing, all the time exposed to the rebel artillery fire. 

Unsupported on either flank, the Regiment pressed 
forward in line, up the slope, two-thirds of the distance 
across the open space, and halted just before reaching 
the top. 

Colonel Murray knew that the Regiment could not 
stay where it was. To his Adjutant he said : " We 
cannot hold this place ; we must either advance or re- 
treat, and we will not retreat." 



— 33 — 

Both his Field Officers were absent. His horse had 
been killed, as had also that of his Adjutant, and he 
was now dismounted. 

Waiting only long enough for his Adjutant to make 
known his purpose to the Company Commanders, Mur- 
ray gave the order to " Charge !" Promptly the order 
was obeyed, and he and his Regiment were well on the 
way, when he fell, without a word, instantly killed, his 
forehead pierced by a ball, seemingly guided in its 
course by the flash of the figures 8 and 4 upon his cap, 
through which the bullet crashed on its way to claim 
the life which thus far had led the Regiment that was 
to turn the tide. 

Inspired as they were by so noble an example, even 
so great a loss, at so critical a moment, did not stop the 
Regiment in its course. 

Without a Field Officer, on they went, until within 
twenty paces, or less, of that well-protected line, and 
there stood, firing and receiving the greater fire, never 
thinking to go back, not knowing but that they were 
there to stay, either as soldiers fighting in the ranks, or 
lying, helpless, cheering their comrades on — or dead. 

The 14th Indiana coming up, aided in forcing the 
enemy's line, and Tyler's Brigade having forced the 
line behind the stone fence in their front, the battle was 
over. The enemy was pursued a mile or more, and 



— 34 — 

under cover of night Jackson started his whole army, 
which before morning was in full retreat up the Valley, 
leaving the victory of Winchester to Shields' Division. 

The 84th numbered 255 in the battle. At its close 
it numbered 92 less. Three officers and eighteen men 
killed. Two officers and sixty-nine men wounded. 

Captain Gallagher, " E " Co., and Lieutenant Keem, 
" A " Co., were among the killed. 

The poetical side of the Regiment is shown in the 
following verses : 

By Toodles. 

Yes, yes, old flag, we love thee, 

Although bedimm'd with gore, 
We follow thee through battle, 

We'll follow thee once more. 
Although thy staff is shattered, 

The Stripes are torn and gory, 
Thy stars the brighter seem to us, 

Since covered o'er with glory. 

Though many fell beneath thy folds, 

To keep thee still aflying, 
They gazed upon thy bars of gold, 

And blessed thee, too, when dying. 






— 35 — 

We'll bear thee onward thro' the strife, 
'Mid shot and shell and blow, 

We'll never yield thee but with life, 
To any traitor foe. 



[Written for the Cartridge Box.] 

The 84th, we are the crew, 

To raise the Stripes, Red, White and Blue. 

MacDowell, now, who takes command, 

Will lead us on through Dixie's Land. 

Pennsylvania's favorite Sons, 

Always true and Loyal ones. 

Old Jeff may ride jackass or mule, 

We're bound to catch him his neck to pull. 



TO THE MEMORY OF COLONEL WILLIAM G. MURRAY. 

BY JAMES GAILY. 

When Col. Murray drew his sword, 

It was in Freedom's cause, 
To fight against the rebels, 

That defied our Flag and laws. 
The Pennsylvania Eighty-fourth, 

Of which he had command, 
Against the rebels, ten to one, 

At Hancock made a stand. 



— 36 — 

It was the twenty-third of March, 

Near Winchester we lay, 
At eight o'clock the shell and shot, 

On us began to play. 
When Gen'l Shields, that never yields, 

He heard the distant noise, 
Then faced about and with a shout, 

Said, " Double-quick, my boys." 

When Gen'l Shields came on the field, 

They fought like heroes brave, 
With sword in hand he gave command, 

Our flag did proudly wave. 
Although our Regiment suffered most, 

They did not shrink or fail, 
Their gallant Colonel led them on 

Through storms of iron hail. 

The Eighty-fourth was ordered up 

To charge the enemy, 
To drive the rebels from their guns, 

And save their battery. 
Like veterans they made their charge, 

It was conducted well, 
But in the mid'st of victory, 

Our gallant Murray fell. 

He boldly led the Eighty-fourth, 

Until he was shot dead ; 
While bravely cheering on his men 

A bullet pierced his head. 



— 37 — 

Their fire seemed directed most 

Against the Eighty-fourth, 
But hand to hand they could not stand 

Our tigers of the North. 



The Stars and Stripes of Liberty, 

That always lead to fame, 
Linked with its brave defenders now 

Is Col. Murray's name. 
And soon they will avenge his death, 

The gallant Eighty-fourth, 
For none but those who knew him well 

Could estimate his worth. 



The gallant officers and men, 

Receive our heart-felt thanks , 
They would not fly but rather die, 

Within the Union ranks. 
The rose and evergreen will bloom, 

Upon the honored grave 
Of Col. William G. Murray, 

The bravest of the brave. 

The account of the battle in the New York World, 
as reported by its correspondent, contained the follow- 
ing : 

" The 84th Pa. suffered more than any other. This 



— 38 — 

Regiment, of which there were only 300 engaged 
(proper number 255), lost 23 killed and 63 wounded 
from the bullets of the enemy, among them Col. 
Murray." 

General Order by Governor Curtin. 

In " General Order No. 20, Harrisburg, April 4th, 
1862," Governor Curtin spoke as follows : " The ex- 
ample of the gallant Colonel Murray, of the 84th, 
who fell at the head of his Regiment in the conflict at 
Winchester, with that of the noble men of his com- 
mand, who there gave their lives a willing sacrifice to 
their Country, must stimulate all who have enlisted in 
the service to increased devotion, while their memory 
will be cherished by every patriot and add honor to 
the arms of Pennsylvania and the Union." 

On the day after Winchester, Banks with part of his 
Corps went past in pursuit of the enemy, now on their 
way up the Valley. 

On the 25th, the Regiment marched to Cedar Creek 
and return, 24 miles. 

On the 26th, Detail ordered to bury the dead. 

On the 27th, marched 12 miles to Berry ville, arriv- 
ing at four o'clock, and the Regiment assigned to 
Provost Duty. 



— 39 — 

On April 3d, General Banks was assigned by the 
War Department to the command of the Department 
of the Shenandoah, and General McDowell to the 
Department of the Rappahannock. 

Lieut. Col. MacDowell joined the Regiment, for the 
first time, at Berryville, but remained only a short 
time, owing to the condition of his health. 

On April 22d, the Regiment went from Berryville 
to Winchester, arriving at 5 p.m. 

Order of General Shields, congratulating the troops 
on their bravery at Winchester, was read. 

General Blencker, passing through Winchester with 
his command, personally complimented the 84th for the 
part taken in the battle. 

On May 4th, Regiment ordered to join the Division 
as soon as relieved, and on the 

10th, relieved by five companies of the 10th Maine. 

The Regiment was now a part of the 4th Brigade, 
2d Division, old 5th Corps. 

March to Fredericksburg. 

On the 11th, started at 11 a.m. and marched to Cedar 
Creek, 15 miles. 

On the 12th, started at 8 a.m. and moved 4 miles to 

West of Strasburg. 



— 40 — 

On the 13th, 2 p.m., moved from Strasburg to Mid- 
dletown, 6 miles, arriving at 6 p.m. 

On the 14th, 6 a.m., to Front Royal, fording the 
Shenandoah, 12 miles. Quartered in rebel hospital. 

On the 15th, whole of Shields' Division at Middle- 
town. 

On the 16th, marched with the supply train over the 
Blue Ridge, 10 miles toward Warrenton, stopping at 

6 P.M. 

On the 17th, marched from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., 15 
miles. 

On the 18th, 6 a.m., passing through Warrenton ; 
stopped at 6 p.m., 12 miles. 

On the 19th, 6 a.m., arrived at Duryea's camp 11 
a.m., 6 miles. 

On the 20th, at Catlett Station. 

On the 21st, 6 a.m., 18 miles. 

22d, 6 a.m., 14 miles, stopping at 3 p.m. Went into 
camp opposite Fredericksburg. 

23d, portion of army reviewed by President Lincoln. 
84th not in review. 

As soon as Lee learned of the withdrawal of Shields' 
Division from the Valley, he started Jackson after 
Banks. Ewell and Jackson, combined, numbered over 
twenty thousand. Banks had about four thousand 
men. The first attack was at Winchester, on the 25th, 



— 41 — 

and Banks was pressed, without regard to convenience 
of movement, until he was over the Potomac. 

Shields' Division had been in front of Fredericks- 
burg but three days, when on the 



Back to the Valley, 

25th, at 3 p.m., they were again on the march back to 
the Valley, to stop the new trouble there. 8 miles 
covered the first day. 

. On the 26th, 6 a.m., 22 miles, to within one mile of 
Catlett Station, arriving at 10 p.m. 

On the 27th, changed position, 2 miles. 

On the 28th, 12 miles to Haymarket. 

On the 29th, 6 a.m., io miles to Bectortown, pitched 
tents, and at 7 p.m. started for Front Boyal, marched 
all night, and reached there 6 p.m. 

On the 30th, the Louisiana and Georgia troops had 
been driven out through the day by Colonel Nelson's 
Bhode Island Cavalry. 

On the 31st, 2 p.m., went 4 miles out on the Win- 
chester Pike, skirmishing with the enemy, accompanied 
by two pieces of artillery. 

By this time Jackson was aware of the situation, 
which he had not apprehended when he was bent on 
routing Banks. 



— 42 — 

He now realized that Banks was beyond capture and 
safe ; that he must leave the Potomac to his rear ; that 
in so doing Banks would have the advantage of pur- 
suing a retreating column ; that on his retreat he would 
probably run against Fremont, and could not evade 
Shields. 

He knew that he had but one way to go. He knew 
there was but one way of escape, and that over the 
bridge at Port Republic. 

June 1st, Shields' Division took up its part of the 
program and went 10 miles toward Luray, and on the 

2d, 15 miles further in the same direction. 

On the 4th, arrived at Columbia Bridge, near Luray. 

On the 5th and 6th, remained at Columbia Bridge, 
and on the 

7th, marched during the night, reaching Port Repub- 
lic on the morning of the 8th. 

The advance of Fremont's forces had struck the rear 
guard of Jackson, in retreat, on the 1st, 5 miles from 
Strasburg, which brought on skirmishing, and on the 
7th, 4 miles beyond Harrissonburg, a fight took place 
between the advance of Fremont's Corps and Jackson's 
rear guard, and on the 8th was fought the battle of 
Cross Keys, between Fremont's Corps and Jackson's 
troops, lasting from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. 



— 43 — 

Battle of Port Republic. 

Thus far the Massanutten Mountains had separated 
Jackson and his immediate pursuers from Shields. 
This mountain range stops just before reaching Port 
Republic. The only troops in the town were the four 
regiments of Carroll's Brigade, 1st Va., 7th Ind., 84th 
and 110th Pa., about sixteen hundred strong. 

" At this point," read the orders to General Shields, 
" you will intercept Jackson and cut off his retreat." 

With the bridge standing, Carroll's force, or even the 
entire Division, would be a mere handful against the 
foe now almost at hand. 

The effectual cut-off would have been the destruction 
of the bridge, and had there been but one man there, 
in place of a brigade, he would have destroyed it. 

Did Shields order Carroll to burn the bridge ? 

And, if so, did Carroll think it would be more sol- 
dierly to fight the whole rebel army? 

Whatever the answer, the fact remains that the 
bridge was not burned. When the attempt was made 
it was too late. 

Over the bridge was Jackson's only way of escape 
from Fremont. When he found Carroll there he 
moved up his advance, under cover of the night, quietly 
posted twenty guns where they would command the 
way over the river, and opened them at daylight. The 



— 44 — 

fire was too much to stand against, and over the bridge 
came Jackson's cavalry, followed by his columns of 
infantry, and having forced our small command back 
the Luray Valley to Conrad's Store, and burned the 
bridge to avoid further trouble with Fremont, he had a 
good free road to Richmond, where he met with a cor- 
dial welcome from Lee. 

The loss of 124 killed and 292 wounded showed the 
disposition of Carroll's Brigade to fight, as also the 
character of the rebel fire, and the 514 prisoners testi- 
fied to the character of the pursuit in getting Carroll 
out of the way. 

Ewell was liberal enough to concede three Confeder- 
ates to one National, in number, and voluntarily said, 
" It was a most gallant fight on the part of the latter." 

The Regiment lost one man killed and ten wounded. 

On the 10th, Shields' Division reached Luray, and 
on the 

15th, was again at Front Royal. 

On the 18th, at Manassas Junction, and on the 

25th, arrived at Camp Pope, near Alexandria. 

"Akmy of Virginia." 

On the 26th, by order of the President, the forces 
under Fremont, Banks, and McDowell were constituted 



— 45 — 

the " Army of Virginia," Pope in command, Fremont 
assigned to the 1st Corps, Banks the 2d, and McDowell 
the 3d. Fremont withdrew from the Service because 
thus made subordinate to an officer whose commission 
post-dated his own. 

The career of Shields' Division, as such, was now 
ended, the 1st and 2d Brigades being sent to McClellan 
on the Peninsula. 

Carroll's Brigade was now to be a part of Ricketts' 
Division, McDowell's Corps. 

A glance at the map, with" a view to locating the 
places to which reference has been made by name, will 
make clear the importance of the work in which the 
84th was engaged thus early in its career. 

It will also make plain that all of danger to Wash- 
ington did not lie across the Long Bridge. 

Length of consideration is not needed to incline to 
the opinion that Jackson in Maryland and Pennsyl- 
vania, in the early days of '62, would have produced a 
feeling throughout the North not calculated to lessen 
the weight of the conflict. 

Operations by other troops in the eastern part of 
Virginia would have been impossible had Jackson 
overcome the forces in the Valley. Against him 
Shields' Division played an effective part. 



— 46 — 

It was Shields' Division, and not the " other fellows," 
that Jackson's men least desired to meet. 

At the time of McClellan's Peninsula campaign, the 
people did not understand the situation about Winches- 
ter and other points in the Valley, and have not cared 
to learn it since. 

It was well for Pennsylvania, it was well for the 
Union, that the fiat against Shields had not gone forth 
before June of '62. He was the first to strike Jackson 
with defeat, and no one did it afterward. 

This noble Division of Shields' marched promptly 
and fought well, and therein they had, and have, their 
compensation, without being sung in lines of rhyme, or 
spoken in the pages of story. 

On the 21st of June, Samuel M. Bowman, late Major 
4th Illinois Cavalry, was commissioned, and on the 
25th mustered, Colonel of the 84th. 

Major Barrett was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colo- 
nelcy, McDowell having been discharged for disability, 
in July. 

And Adjutant Craig was promoted to the Majority. 

Details for Recruiting. 

Immediately upon his arrival at the Regiment, Colo- 
nel Bowman determined to add to the effective strength 



— 47 — 



of the Command by sending recruiting parties to 
several localities in Pennsylvania, and also by securing 
the active interest of citizens of the State who were 
not then in the Service. 



Pope's Campaign. 

While at Camp Pope the requisite details were made, 
and while numbers at home were thus being added to 
the rolls, the Regiment continued its active service in 
the field, marching out from Camp Pope, in July, to 
join Pope's Army, which was always to " look before, 
and not behind," and which was to " subsist upon the 
country in which their operations were carried on." 

While McClellan was moving against the Capital of 
the Confederacy, it was Pope's part to keep secure the 
Capital of the Union. 

Battle of Cedar Mountain. 

On August 9th, was fought the Battle of Cedar 
Mountain, in which the 84th was not directly engaged, 
excepting as a reserve force. The official record gives 
one officer and eight men wounded from the rebel fire 
of shot and shell after dark. 

Following upon the battle the rebel force, number- 



— 48 — 

ing about 25,000, retreated across the Rapidan, Pope 
pursuing and occupying the north side of the river. 

Arrival of "H" Co. 
While at this point, the Regiment, for the first time, 
placed ten companies in line. " H " Co. had been 
recruited during the Spring and early Summer, and 
left Camp Curtin, under orders to join the Regiment, 
on the 14th, arriving on the 16th. 

Pope did not remain in this position long. 

At this period of the War it was looked upon at the 
North as the worst of generalship to permit any rebel 
troops to get between our forces and the Seat of Gov- 
ernment, and it was well known on the other side that 
any movement that threatened such a condition would 
cause the quick packing of tents and the immediate 
tramp of whatever Union force was charged with the 
protection of the Capital. Later on came a change in 
this regard. 

Jackson threatened Washington by starting a move- 
ment to Pope's rear, passing around his right flank. 

On the 19th, commenced Pope's backward march. 

On the 21st, Pope was safely across the Rappahan- 
nock, and immediately Jackson was along the south 



— 49 — 

side of the river. Rappahannock Station was the cen- 
tral river point, the line stretching 15 miles. 

In '62, an ordinary river stemmed the current of 
pursuit more effectually than it did in '64. 

On the 22d, the rebel cavalry struck Catlett Station, 
and on the 

23d, the bridge across the Rappahannock was burned, 
and the station abandoned by Pope. 

Thoroughfare Gap. 

On the 28th, Ricketts' Division was at Thoroughfare 
Gap, sent there to check the advance of Longstreet's 
Corps on its way to join Jackson at Manassas. 

It will be noticed that McClellan's failure in front of 
Richmond had become fixed fact before this movement 
of Jackson's was determined upon, and now Lee's 
troops at Richmond were relieved from pressure. 

The march to the Gap was too late for effective 
service, and, on the same night, Ricketts marched his 
Division from Thoroughfare Gap to join the main 
army. 

Battle of Second Bull Run. 
On the 29th, the Regiment, with the Division, was 
on the right flank of the Army, at Groveton. 

7 



— 50 — 

On the morning of the 30th, the second day of the 
battle, the Regiment was exposed to a severe fire of 
grape and canister. 

In the afternoon, Ricketts' Division was attacked by 
the enemy with masses of troops, but held its part well 
until ordered back by Pope about 7 p.m., after the final 
break along the Union line. 

From that part of the line which had been so suc- 
cessfully held during the latter half of the day, and 
night being yet an hour off, there was afforded a clear 
view of flying Artillery and flying Infantry, all mov- 
ing to a common center — Centerville. 

While it was not strictly a walk, yet, in view of the 
situation, in good order the Regiment went back about 
a mile and took position, with other Regiments of the 
Brigade, in an open field, in fact facing the enemy, yet 
not knowing whom we faced. Here occurred the inci- 
dent which almost (a minute of time made the differ- 
ence) disposed of the 84th. 

Just daylight enough left to discern a line, a full 
brigade front, advancing, yet not enough to distinguish 
the color of the uniform, or to make sure the flag. 

On they came, a perfect line, marching as if on 
review. " Who are you ? " thrice repeated, brought no 
response. Not a word was spoken in their ranks, but 
on they came. 



— 51 — 

A few minutes before, Lieutenant Nixon had been 
ordered to post a detail of pickets, but had not had 
time to go out. " I will learn who they are," said 
Nixon. Twenty-five steps to the front, and he was half 
way. Then came from him the words which seem to 
sound upon my ear every time the incident occurs to 
me, " They are the enemy, boys ! " And then, for it 
was dark now, upon the instant was seen that flash of 
light along the whole line of that rebel brigade. I see 
it now as I saw it then. With the flash came the 
whirr of the thousands of bullets, but the darkness in 
the aim saved the objects for which they were intended. 

The fire was the vengeance of the failure to capture. 

Night being fully on, our small force had accom- 
plished all that it had been left on the field for — the 
checking of pursuit — and was now not long in getting 
to the Centerville side of Bull Run. 

On the night of September 1st, the Regiment was at 
Fairfax Station. 

Arlington Heights. — Arrival of Recruits. 

On September 2d, back to the defences of Washing- 
ton, a part of the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 3d Corps. 
At first in camp at Alexandria. Then a long march on 
the Virginia side, across the Potomac, on through 



— 52 — 

Georgetown, and back, locating on Arlington Heights, 
where the Regiment awaited the 350 recruits, the out- 
come of Colonel Bowman's efforts inaugurated at Camp 
Pope. 

Some were received in small detachments, others as 
organized companies, places being provided by the con- 
solidation of old companies, or as partial organizations, 
and placed with old companies. This was the more 
readily accomplished, owing to the retirement of many 
of the old line officers. 

Of the 27 Line Officers mustered in with the Regi- 
ment, 2, Gallagher and Reem, had been killed, 20 had 
resigned before the end of 1862, leaving only 5 — 
Bryan, Opp, Zinn, Peterman and Ingram. 

Of the original Field Officers, Murray only had done 
active service, and he had been killed. MacDowell, 
Lieutenant-Colonel, had been discharged for disability, 
in July. Barrett had been promoted Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel, and resigned in September. Adjutant Craig had 
been promoted Major and Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
resigned. 

None of the Field Officers left, the Adjutant gone, 
and not one of the original Captains of companies 
remaining. 

Of the five Line Officers remaining, Opp, Bryan and 



— 53 — 

Ingram had entered the service as First Lieutenants, 
and Zinn and Peterman as Second Lieutenants. 

Opp obtained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, in 
command of the Regiment, and was mortally wounded 
at the Wilderness. Bryan became Major, and Zinn 
rose to the rank of Colonel, with the Brevet of Brig- 
adier-General. Pecerman became Captain and was 
killed at Chancellorsville. Ingram resigned in the 
early part of 1863. 

Of all the original Officers, Field, Staff and Line, 
only two, Zinn and Bryan, served with the Regiment 
until the close of the War, and they are still among us. 

Of the after Line Officers, 32 were promotions from 
the ranks, and also two of the three Adjutants. 

Fribley to Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and 
Captain of the 84th, and Colonel 8th U. S. Colored 
Troops. 

Dougherty, Steinmau, Farley, Nixon, Sampson and 
Rissel, to Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and 
Captain. 

Delehunt and Lamberton, to Second Lieutenant and 
Captain. 

Thornton to First Lieutenant and Captain. 

Mather to Adjutant. 

Merchant to Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant 
and Adjutant, with the Brevet of Captain. 



— 54 — 

Mummey, Wells, and Larish to First Lieutenant. 

Smith, Mitchell, Lewis, Taylor, Jury and Ferguson 
to Second Lieutenant and First Lieutenant. 

Gwinn, Wingate, Piper, Moore, Hays, McMaster, 
Wolf, Hursh, Wilson, Weidensall and Davidson, to 
Second Lieutenant. 

As newly organized, " C " Co. was consolidated with 
A, and the new Company from Westmoreland County, 
Captain Logan and Lieutenant Wirsing, took the place 
of the original C Co. 

B Co. received recruits under Lieutenant Young. 

D Co. received recruits under Lieutenant Hunter. 

Lieutenant Zinn, B Co., was commissioned Captain 
of D. 

A Company of about 70 men, under Captain Dobbins 
and Lieutenant Johnson, was added to E, Lieutenant 
Steinman, of the old organization, remaining. 

F Co. was added to by recruits under Lieutenant 
Forrester. 

G Co. received recruits under Captain Piatt and 
Lieutenant Brindle. 

H Co. received recruits under Lieutenant Jackson. 

Many of the old men of I Co. were transferred to K, 
and I Co. reorganized by a large detachment under 
Captain Comfort and Lieutenant Boss 

K Co. was materially strengthened by the transfers 
from I. 



— 55 — 

Assigned to Whipple's Division. 

In the latter part of October, the Regiment left its 
camp at Arlington Heights, and joined the Army 
under McClellan at Berlin, still constituting a part of 
Carroll's Brigade, which had been assigned to Whipple's 
Independent Division. 

On November 7th, by order from the War Depart- 
ment, McClellan was relieved from the command of the 
Army of the Potomac, and succeeded by Major-General 
Burnside. 

At Falmouth. 

On November 17th, the advance of the Army 
arrived at Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg, and 
again the whole Army was confronting Lee. 

On December 11th, Fredericksburg was subjected to 
a heavy artillery fire, to cover the laying of a Pontoon 
bridge. 

Battle of Fkedebicksburg. 

The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought on the 
13th, the rebel troops having been forced out of the 
town to their fortifications on the Heights in the rear. 

The Regiment was severely engaged. General Grif- 
fin called on Whipple for Carroll's Brigade, and it was 



— 56 — 

promptly moved up through the town under fire of 
shot and shell. Stopping in a cut of the Richmond 
Railroad, then climbing the steep embankment, the 
Brigade rushed on and was soon at the very front. Two 
Companies went on in advance of the line of battle and 
had to be recalled. During the night the enemy 
attempted to force the part of the line occupied by the 
84th and 110th Pa., but was repulsed. 

7 men killed and 24 wounded. 

Colonel Bowman, 84th, and Lieutenant Crowther, 
110th, were specially mentioned in the Brigade Com- 
mander's report. 

After the battle, the Regiment went into Camp at 
Stoneman's Switch, on the Falmouth and Acquia Creek 
Railroad, about 2 miles from Falmouth. 

In the meantime, on the 1st of October, 1862, Cap- 
tain Opp had been promoted Major, and, on December 
23d, Lieutenant-Colonel, Barrett and Craig having both 
resigned. 

Captain Zinn was promoted Major, October 2d. 

On January 18th, 1863, Sergeant Mather, B Co., 
was promoted Adjutant. 

On January 19th, Burnside started, the Army for a 
second attempt on Fredericksburg, but the heavy rain 
converted the movement into a " Mud March," and it 
was abandoned. 



— 57 — 

The outcome of December 13th and January 19th, 
was the removal of Burnside, on January 26th, from 
the command of the Army, and the substitution of 
Major-General Hooker. 

These were experimental days, and rotation in office 
of Corps and Army Commanders largely practised, but 
the experiments were harsh indeed to the boys who did 
the tramping and the fighting. 

On February 5th, by order of General ' Hooker, the 
Army of the Potomac was reorganized, and Reynolds 
assigned to the command of the 1st Corps ; Couch, the 
2d ; Sickles, the 3d ; Meade, the 5th ; Sedgwick, the 6th ; 
Sigel, the 11th; and Slocum, the 12th; the Cavalry 
under Stoneman. 

The 84th and 110th Pa. and 12th New Hampshire, 
constituted the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, 3d Corps, with 
Bowman Commanding. Lieutenant-Colonel Opp in 
command of the Regiment. 

Picketing along the Rappahannock, by details of 
Regiments, was the principal duty from January to 

Battle of Chancellorsville. 

April 29th, when the Army broke camp and started 
on a campaign intended to be brief, but sharp and 
decisive, fruitful of great and important results. 

8 



— 58 — 

It was Hooker's plan, most intelligently conceived 
and thorough in its details. Without Jackson on the 
other side, it would have gone down in history as the 
battle of the War, and Hooker would have been the 
Lieutenant-General. No rebel army would thereafter 
have crossed the Potomac to make a Gettysburg. The 
Gettysburg of the War would have been on Southern 
soil. 

The Regiment participated in the feint to the left of 
Fredericksburg, and on the 

1st of May, moved toward Chancellorsville, the place 
of the campaign, crossing the Rappahannock at United 
States Ford. 

On the 2d, late in the afternoon, Sickles was ordered 
to send two Divisions, the 2d and 3d, in the direction 
of the Old Furnace, to cut off the march of rebel 
troops toward the right of our line. Jackson, however, 
as was his custom, had already passed by and out of 
the way, excepting a regiment, which was captured. 

While two-thirds of Sickles' Corps was in this 
exposed position, Jackson literally fell on the 11th 
Corps, away to the right of the Union line, at a time 
when the whole of that Corps was lying in supposed 
security, doubled it up, and in this way substituted the 
Field plan of Lee for the Camp study of Hooker ; and 



— 59 — 

Chancellorsville was become a ground to fight on but 
not a place of victory. 

In the words of that memorable Order, the " Enemy 
was in a bag." But where was the string ? 

However, there was virtue in the situation, in that it 
furnished the grandest test that could have been pre- 
sented to the Army of the Potomac. Most fully 
defeated, yet not alarmed. Line broken, yet not 
pursued. 

Hooker's Army was a body of positive soldiery, who 
knew not on that 2d of May, nor until well back on 
sure ground, how nearly Lee had gained what Hooker 
started out to accomplish. 

Back from the Old Furnace came the two Divisions 
of Sickles', while Keenan, with his Battalion of 
Cavalry, held the whole rebel force, to make time for 
the planting of the guns, and lessen the time for the 
falling of the night, which was to be the safeguard of 
our Army. 

The next morning found our Brigade too far out, 
and where it would not have remained through the 
night had its position and number been known to the 
occupants of the woods along the line of which it was 
posted. 

The Brigade was drawn back in the direction of the 
Chancellor House, and put behind a short line of 



— 60 — 

light breast- works, in an isolated position, without any 
support to the right or left. We had been closely fol- 
lowed in our withdrawal of the morning, and were now 
hard pressed by the enemy forcing in upon our front, 
while a large force could be seen moving some distance 
on our left, which, within a half-hour, coining through 
the woods and over the rise to our rear, were imme- 
diately at our back before their coming was known. 

For some time, such of the Union troops as could be 
seen from the position occupied by the Regiment, had 
been giving way and falling back to the protection of 
the numerous guns posted in front of the Chancellor 
House, and which had not yet opened fire. 

The Union line did not seem to be holding anywhere. 

The killed and wounded of the Regiment had been 
added to at every fire. 

Pressed to the front and rear by forces too large to 
contend with, with one flank closed and the other 
nearly so, it was now only the question of escape, or 
capture. 

When the colors of the Regiment were planted 
behind the inner works, twice the fingers of the hands 
counted the total of the officers and men who stood 
with them. 

Out of 391, 1 officer, Peterraan, then Captain of K 



— 61 — 

Co., and 5 men had been killed ; 5 officers and 54 men 
wounded, and 154 captured and missing. 

General Whipple was killed just to the right of the 
Regiment, on the 4th. 

On the night of the 4th, rain came down in a flood, 
so that the Rappahannock was much swollen. About 
midnight, Hooker's Army commenced crossing to the 
North side, and, by the night of the 5th, all were back 
on the old camp ground. 

Many of the dead had been left on the field where 
they fell, and many of the wounded left to rebel care. 
Death had come to some of the wounded from the fire 
in the woods, caused by the shelling on the 3d. The 
great loss to the rebel side came a few days after, in the 
death of Jackson, who had been mortally wounded on 
the night of the 2d. 

Following on Chancellorsville, owing to the death of 
Whipple and the numerous casualties, the Division was 
broken up and the regiments assigned to other com- 
mands. 

Parted from the 110th. 

The 84th and 110th had been together up to this 
time, but from now on were to be parted. The 84th 
went to the 1st Brigade (Carr's), 2d Division (Hum- 



— 62 — 

phrey's), and the 110th to the 3d Brigade, 1st 
Division. 

Gettysburg Campaign. 

In the early part of June, it became clear that the 
officials of the confederacy were so much encouraged by 
the result of Hooker's campaign, that they had deter- 
mined upon sending Lee into Pennsylvania. 

A reconnoissance by the Cavalry under Buford and 
Gregg, south of the Rappahannock, delayed Lee for a 
few days. 

As soon as it was known that Lee was on the way, 
the people of Pennsylvania felt what the consequence 
could be, and feared what it might be The State was 
divided into two Military Districts. The Department 
of the Monongahela, west of the Laurel Ridge Moun- 
tains, was commanded by General Brooks, Headquar- 
ters, Pittsburg ; and the Department of the Susque- 
hanna by General Couch, Headquarters, Chambers- 
burg. 

On June 14th, Milroy was forced out of Winchester, 
leaving behind siege guns, 8 field pieces, 6000 mus- 
kets, ammunition and stores. 

June 15th, the President called on Maryland and 
West Virginia for 10,000 militia, each ; Ohio for 30,000, 
and Pennsylvania for 50,000, for six months' service. 



— 63 — 

June 16th, Jenkins' rebel cavalry, 950 strong, occu- 
pied Chambersburg, and withdrew on the 18th. 

19th, portion of Rhodes' rebel cavalry entered 
McConnelsburg and sacked the town. 

21st, Pleasanton drove Stuart beyond Middletown, 
through Upperville and Ashby's Gap. 

23d, rebel forces again occupied Chambersburg, the 
Union troops in the town falling back. 

26th, rebel advance reached Carlisle, the militia 
under General Knipe retiring. 



Lee's forces were well under way down the Valley, 
when Hooker took down his tents opposite Fredericks- 
burg. 

From the start to the finish it was a race, but not 
from the foe. There were no obstacles worth the men- 
tion for Lee to encounter, none for Hooker. 

Lee went upon that side of the mountain, Hooker 
upon this. Across the Potomac went Lee, and across 
the Potomac came Hooker — at different points. 

The Army of the Potomac had marched before, but 
never before, nor after, as it did through the night after 
crossing into Maryland. Along the tow-path, dark, 
wet and slippery ; strength all gone, and the muscles 
expanding simply to get rid of the contraction. 



— 64 — 

Such was the character of the march, that at times 
the nearest comrade on the walk would not be within 
ten paces to the front or rear. 

What had been lost at the start must now be made 
up, for Lee was well on toward every Pennsylvania 
soldier's home. 

On June 27th, at Frederick, Maryland, the order 
was promulgated assigning Major-General Meade to the 
command of the Army of the Potomac, and Hooker 
thereby relieved. 

On the night of June 30th, at Taneytown, came the 
order detailing the Regiment to guard the Supply 
Train. 

The next morning, Colonel Opp, knowing that his 
men were averse to such duty, made special request of 
the Brigade Commander to revoke the order, but with- 
out success. 

July 1st, started with the train, which was then mov- 
ing with the Column from Taneytown on the road to 
Emmettsburg, and while on the way word came that 
the Cavalry and the 1st Corps had encountered Lee at 
Gettysburg, and that Reynolds had been killed. 

Immediately following this announcement came the 
order for the Supply Trains to report at Westminster. 



— 65 — 

The Supply Trains were an important factor in 
army organization. They did good service in the 
camp, along the march, and on the field. Without 
them even Gettysburg would not have been a Field of 
Monuments. At least twenty regiments of the Army 
of the Potomac did guard duty with the trains on the 
1st, 2d, and 3d of July, 1863. That duty was quite 
as necessary of performance, fully as important, carry- 
ing with it as much of possible danger, as was actually 
encountered by regiments engaged on the field, and as 
much of actual danger as did not fall to the lot of 
several of the regiments who were no more on the field 
than were the troops with the trains, and which regi- 
ments wrote Gettysburg on their battle flags without a 
question as to its being rightly there. 

When the State of Pennsylvania placed upon her 
Statute Books the Act that gave to every Pennsylvania 
Command having a part in the Battle of Gettysburg a 
Memorial Stone, I had no doubt as to the 84th coming 
within the terms of the Act, and no doubt as to the 
duty of its Soldiers to see that its Monument was 
placed. 

The Regiment had been, from the time of its entry 
into the service, a part of the Army of the Potomac, 
even before all the troops in Virginia were so designated, 
and continued to be till the end of the War. Failure 

9 



— 66 — 

of recognition under this Law of the Commonwealth, 
as a part of the Army of the Potomac, would have left 
the Regiment unrecorded to the world as of any army 
up to and including the time of Gettysburg. 

But comment of our own is unnecessary. The state- 
ment of General Carr, the Brigade Commander, covers 
all points, and coming from an individual thoroughly 
competent to pass judgment, and yet free from the 
slightest degree of interest that might possibly induce 
bias, ought to, and does, answer all question and resolve 
all doubt. 

(The following letter was written by General Carr 
in response to a communication asking simply for a 
statement by him of the duty on which the Regiment 
was ordered in connection with the Battle of Gettys- 
burg. 

The tribute thus tendered to the Regiment not only 
evidences the high regard had by General Carr for the 
officers and men of the 84th, but is indicative of the 
feeling entertained and expressed by Shields, Carroll, 
Ricketts, Whipple, Pierce, Mott, and other General 
Officers, in whose immediate command the Regiment 
was placed between October, '61, and July, '65.) 



67 



Office of American Chain Cable Works, 

Troy, N. Y., October 28, 1887. 

General John P. Taylor, President, 

Board of Commissioners Gettysburg Monuments, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

Sir : — I have the honor to present the following statement, in 
reference to the part taken by the 84th Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers in the Gettysburg Campaign. 

The 84th Regiment was in the 1st Brigade, 2d Division, 3d 
Corps, Army of the Potomac, during the movements of that 
Army from Fredericksburg, Va., to Emmettsburg, Md. On the 
morning of the 1st July, the Regiment was detailed by an order 
from my headquarters to guard the supply train that was then 
located between Emmettsburg and Gettysburg. The Regiment 
remained on duty with the train until relieved by another 
Regiment on the 6th July, when it reported to me for duty 
while at Williamsport. 

The duty performed by the 84th Regiment during the three 
days' fighting was as essential and important as that of any 
other Regiment of my command ; it was a duty they were 
ordered to perform over which they had no control, but as good 
soldiers obeyed the command. When Colonel Opp received 
the order he sent his Adjutant, Lieutenant Mather, to me with 
a request to have the order rescinded, which of course was not 
granted. 

The 84th Regiment was one of my best and most reliable 
commands. The officers and men were always ready and 
willing to do their duty. 

To deprive this Regiment of the recognition it is entitled to 



— 68 — 

upon that memorable battle field, would in my opinion be a 
very great injustice. 

I would respectfully suggest that the monument be erected at 
a point near where my headquarters were previous to the second 
day's engagement. It was near the Emmettsburg road, directly 
in front of the Roger's house, as you will see upon the map of 
the field. 

The inscription should state the whereabouts of the Regiment 
on the 1st, 2d and 3d of July, 1863, and the actual duty it was 
performing. 

I am, Very Respectfully, 

JOSEPH B. CARR. 



This statement is a Monument in itself. No Regi- 
ment ever received, or could have had, more emphatic 
endorsement of its service. 

The State Commission on Gettysburg Monuments 
had no doubt of the full right of the 84th to participate 
with all other Pennsylvania regiments that took part 
in the Battle of Gettysburg, and promptly said so. 

On the night of the 4th, the Regiment was ordered 
from Westminster to rejoin the Brigade, and reported 
to General Carr on the 6th. 

While at Westminster there was constant apprehen- 
sion of attack by rebel cavalry, and the picket guards 
were under strict orders to be continually on the alert 
to avoid surprise. 



— 69 — 

During the night of the 13th and the morning of 
the 14th, Lee crossed his army over the Potomac at 
William sport, closely followed by the Union cavalry, 
the advance of the Army of the Potomac. 

On July 24th, the Regiment took part in clearing 
the Gap at Wapping Heights, the rebels contesting 
every step until forced into the Valley, when they went 
on a run, and we returned through the Gap to rejoin 
the column. 

The return was much like the going, excepting that 
there was not the necessity for haste, and with this dif- 
ference of feeling. The rebel army had started North 
elated by Chancellorsville ; it returned depressed by 
Gettysburg. 

The Union Army bad not been depressed by Chan- 
cellorsville (it never was by any defeat), but was more 
than pleased with Gettysburg. 

The walk did not stop until the Army of the 
Potomac was again between the Rappahannock and 
the Rapidan. 

July, August, and September having passed by, and 
October being well under way, Lee, having nothing to 
gain by remaining quiet, again put his army in motion, 
this time bound for the road that led to his Country's 
Capital, but not with patriotic intent. 



— 70 — 

By this time the Army of the Potomac had become 
well grounded in the ups and downs which lie between 
the Rapidan and the Potomac. 

Foraging had become a thing of the past in this now 
agricultural and animal forsaken portion of our Land. 
In fact, at the time when anything was to be found 
here, it was not permitted to be taken. It was not 
until later on that the conclusion was arrived at that 
Union Armies were not organized and maintained to 
guard crops for rebel army use and the sustenance of 
a southern confederacy. 

Thousands of Union Soldiers might lie in unknown 
graves, and tens of thousands might be sent home 
cripples for life, but not an ear on the stalk, or a grain 
in the crib, an animal on the hoof, or his parts in the 
smoke-house, must be taken by the Union Soldier, lest 
treason might not have abundance. 

All that Avas left of what once had been, were the 
names of the places along the route — Rappahannock 
Station, Catlett, Bristoe, Manassas, Thoroughfare, Hay- 
market, Union Mills. 

Lee's Last Move on Washington. 

Meade became aware of Lee's purpose too late to 
make the following a walk, or even an easy run. 



— 71 — 

It was so closely parallel, at times, that it was not 
certain which army was in the pursuit, and when at 
Bristoe Station, 

On October 14th, the 2d Corps and a portion of the 
5th were attacked, while marching by the flank, by a por- 
tion of Hill's Corps under Heth, Warren did a service 
for the Army of the Potomac, and his Country, which 
should have avoided the decree of April, 1865, remov- 
ing him from his Command. 

It was the only Infantry engagement of moment in 
the movement, and had the effect of making this the 
last in the series of Lee's running campaigns on Wash- 
ington. 

On his way back, starting on the 

19th, Lee destroyed the Railroad, which Meade 
rebuilt as the Army of the Potomac advanced leisurely 
to the Rappahannock. 

On November 7th, Meade forded the river at Rappa- 
hannock Station and Kelly's Ford, the battling at both 
points being severe, and the Army of the Potomac no 
more came back until ivithout a foe. 

November 8th, Lee crossed the Rapidan, and he 
never came back. 

Camp at Brandy Station. 
Meade's Army went into camp, the 84th to the left 
of Brandy Station, on land of John Minor Botts, and 



— 72 — 

immediately commenced the erection of Winter quar- 
ters. 

Picket duty and the ordinary engagements of the 
camp followed, until 

November 25th, when the Army marched the few 
miles to the Rapidan, crossed over, and the rebels fell 
back, contesting all the way, until Locust Grove was 
reached on the 



Battle of Locust Grove or Mine Run. 

27th, where the Regiment was warmly engaged. 
Here occurred the incident which clearly pjroved the 
fastness of the colors of the 84th. 

The whole line to the right and left gave way. This 
forced the Regiment to retire, and there was every 
indication of a precipitate retreat. The Regiment had 
gone but its flags were still there. The Adjutant came 
promptly to the direction of the Colors, and the two 
flags in the hands of the Bearers, supported by the 
Color Guard, marched off the field to the ordinary step, 
and in as orderly manner as when passing from the 
Parade Ground to Headquarters. The flags might have 
been captured, and the Adjutant and Guard with them, 
but it would have been a capture to which no discredit 
would have attached. 



— 73 — 

1 officer and 8 men wounded. 

From the field of Locust Grove to Mine Run, and a 
sight of the defences of Lee. 

Contemplated Charge at Mine Run. 

On the night of the 28th, orders were given to charge 
the enemy's works the next morning at 8 o'clock, and 
by daylight the Army was in line, awaiting the order 
to advance. It was well the order of execution was not 
given. The slaughter that would have ensued would 
have been without its fellow in the tales of the War. 

Pickett at Gettysburg was a thing of Parade com- 
pared with what this would have been. 

The troops would have gone over a space which 
thereafter would have been noted as the Field of Death. 

Meade thought one way ; Warren the other. 

Warren was right, and Meade saw, in time, that he, 
himself, was wrong. 

This act of Warren did not call for what was done 
him at Five Forks. 

Back at Brandy Station. 

The day passed, and in the night, the pickets cau- 
tioned to keep the fires going and then left to take care 
of themselves, Meade had his Army quietly slip away 

10 



— 74 — 

from out of sight of the defences they had only looked 
upon, and then, without hurry, back to the old camp at 
Brandy Station, where from the 2d of December, 1863, 
to May 3d, 1864, the camp life of Winter was unbroken, 
save for a day or two, taken up by the march to the 
Rapidan on February 6th, as a caution to Lee, who was 
somewhat restless to learn what the Army in front of 
him was doing. 

Veteran Re-Enlistments. 

Also the re-enlistments for the Veteran three years, 
accompanied by the furlough for thirty days. 

But during this time there occurred what was to 
subject all elements of all the Armies of the Union to 
harmony of action, and thus, in good time, end the 
attempt at the destruction of the Union, and thereby 
cease the struggle for its maintenance. 

Grant in Command of all the Armies. 

By special Act of Congress the rank of Lieutenant- 
General was revived, and, by the President, conferred 
on Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, with assignment 
to the command of all the Armies of the United States, 
Halleck being relieved as General-in-Chief, and assigned 
to duty in Washington as Army Chief of Staff. 



— 75 — 

After the severe experiences of three years, the 
Executive and Legislative Departments had come to 
the common agreement, that the rebellion could be put 
down with one Army, but never with a score, with ten, 
nor even two. Starting anew, there would be one 
Captain of the Host. 

The Army of the Potomac was now — 2d Corps, 
Hancock ; 5th Corps, Warren ; 6th Corps, Sedgwick ; 
Cavalry, Sheridan ; and Hunt, Chief of Artillery ; 
Meade in command of the whole, but Grant always 
present. 

The 84th was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 4th 
Division (Mott), 2d Corps (Hancock), and from this 
on the references to the 2d Corps will be, mainly, our 
account of the 84th. 

Grant's Campaign. 

Soon after midnight, 

May 3-4, '64, was inaugurated Grant's Campaign — 
the longest, but the last, of the War. 

The Army of the Potomac moved off their five 
months' camping ground, thereafter to realize that 
armies could move without regard to seasons. 

Pontoons were thrown across the Rapidan, princi- 
pally at Germania and Ely's Fords. 

Passed over the battle ground of just a year before, 



— 76 — 

at Chancellorsville, and came well into the Wilderness 
on the 

5th. At 9 o'clock, Hancock was ordered to the 
support of Getty's Division, the 2d of the 6th Corps, 
who had run against the enemy on the Orange Plank 
and Turnpike Roads. 

The woods and narrow roads prevented Hancock 
from getting into position until 4 o'clock, when he sent 
Birney's and Mott's Divisions to Getty's support, and 
saved him from a rout. 

Fighting continued until dark. 

Grant's disposition of the troops j)laced Hancock in 
command of about one-half the Line, and thus located, 
he was ordered to attack at 4 o'clock the morning of 
the 6th, subsequently changed, at Meade's suggestion, 
to 5 o'clock. The movement was prompt, and to the 
left of the Orange Plank Road. 

Battle of the Wilderness. 

By the end of the first hour of the desperate fighting 
of that morning, it was Grant's belief, that " if the 
country had been such that Hancock and his Command 
could have seen the confusion and panic in the lines of 
the enemy, it would have been taken advantage of so 
effectually, that Lee would not have made another 
stand outside the Richmond defences." 



— 77 — 

The enemy got close upon a portion of the 2d Corps 
before being seen, owing to the density of the woods, 
and they were so suddenly forced back as to compel the 
retirement of Mott's Division also to the intrenched 
position of the morning. 

The Battle was kept up from 5 o'clock in the morn- 
ing until night, and all the time within a width of 
space averaging not over three-quarters of a mile. 

During the night all of Lee's army withdrew within 
their intrenchments. 

Grant said " that more desperate fighting had not 
been witnessed on this Continent, than that of the 5th 
and 6th of May." 

The 84th was in the very thick of the fight. 9 men 
killed, 2 officers and 39 men wounded. 

The character of this fighting ground is a thing of 
history. Heavy timber, close, thick underbrush, impos- 
sibility of knowing where the enemy was until close at 
hand, the burning breastworks, all present factors in 
the fight, gave Grant to know that he had an Army on 
whom he could rely for the very best of service. 

Grant had the faith before he had applied the test, 
for on the 5th all the bridges over the Rapidan had 
been taken up, except the one at Germania Ford, show- 
ing that he had no thought of necessity for re-crossing 
the river. 



— 78 — 

Death of Col. Opp. 

Among the wounded of the 84th was its Commander, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Opp, shot through the lung. He 
suffered, and how bravely, until the 9th, when he died. 
And it but honors every soldier of the Regiment, from 
the highest in rank to the lowest, when it is said, that 
with his going out there was made a vacancy in the 
Regimental household, which we have felt from then to 
the present, and will ever feel, until we greet him in 
our Reunion when we gather together in that other 
time which shall follow upon this. 

In the closing weeks of '62 the Regiment had sought 
and found new life, and with the beginning of '63 had 
started off anew, cleared of all that might have held it 
back in the then coming time. Milton Opp was then 
the Second Officer of the Regiment. He was possessed 
of an ambition worthy of all the praise that grateful 
men could well bestow ; ambitious, not for himself, but 
for his Regiment. In command from January, 1863, 
to the time of his death, the very example of his 
manner, his bearing, whether with belt on or off, was 
such, as to bring up the tone of every soldier of the 
84th. The lowest in the Regiment was higher, the 
highest was higher, because of the presence of Milton 
Opp. No Regimental Headquarters surpassed his in 
integrity of purpose, firmness without severity of action 



— 79 — 

or sense of duty in everything that was calculated to 
incline a Regiment of soldiers to be a credit to them- 
selves, and an honor to their State. 

How much the situation did for the general tone of 
the Regiment has, perhaps, been more thought of since 
than during the time of its service. 

Aided from the beginning by a most faithful and 
altogether most competent Adjutant, Colonel Opp 
brought the Regiment up to a standard of discipline 
from which his successors in command never saw it 
depart, from which, good and able officers that they 
were, they would not have permitted it to depart. 
Between their task and his, and it detracts not one whit 
from them to think it or to say it, there was this differ- 
ence ; he made it the easier for them to carry out well, 
as they faithfully did, what he had so well provided. 
He was the most loved by those whose acquaintance 
with him was the most intimate. A gentleman, a 
Christian, a man. 

How we would all welcome him, could we greet him 
now. And by none would he have been welcomed 
among us with more of good, earnest feeling, than by 
him who so well succeeded to the Command which was 
left by Milton Opp on the 6th of May, 1864. 

The Battle of the Wilderness had been fought. When 



— 80 — 

the soldiers of the Army of the Potomac learned that a 
drawn battle could be made in its results a great 
victory, when they learned that Grant not only com- 
manded the masses of the troops, but had firm control 
of the official elements, and 48 hours was sufficient for 
the lesson, is it any wonder that " the greatest enthusi- 
asm was manifested by Hancock's troops," when, on 
the 7th of May, Grant rode behind the 2d Corps, lying 
on the Brock Road, "inspired," says Grant, "no doubt 
by the fact that the movement was South." 

No more exhibitions of jealousy among Commanders 
of Corps. Such conduct was now to send a Major- 
General to the rear as a useless incumbrance. 

Early on the morning of the 7th, Grant's order had 
gone out for a night march to Spottsylvania. 

An encounter with Early detained the 2d Corps at 
Todd's Tavern, and kept it from Spottsylvania on 
the 8th. 

Having got rid of Early, at noon on the 9th Han- 
cock was ordered up from Todd's Tavern, excepting 
Mott's Division, which followed later in the day. 

Sedgwick, commanding the 6th Corps, was killed on 
the morning of the 9th, by a rebel sharpshooter. 

On the 10th, Hancock was ordered to attack with 
the 2d, 5th and 6th Corps. The assault was made 



— 81 — 

about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, with not altogether 
satisfactory result. Mott's Division was on the left of 
the 6th Corps. 

On the 11th, the only movement was by Mott's 
Division, acting under orders to develop a weak spot in 
the enemy's line. The outcome of this reconnoissauce 
was Grant's order of the 11th, for an assault at pre- 
cisely 4 a.m. of the 12th, " with all possible vigor, the 
preparations to be conducted with the utmost secrecy, 
and veiled entirely from the enemy." 



Battle of Spottsylvania. 

The heavy fog delayed the start one hour. 

The objective point was the salient, where, after the 
conflict, lay Lee's soldiers piled one uj)on another, just 
as they fell. 

The rebel captured numbered 4000, among them 
Major-General Edward Johnson, Division Commander, 
and Brigadier-General Stewart, commanding a Brigade ; 
a score of guns, with horses, caissons and ammunition, 
and several thousand small arms. 

Loss to the Regiment, \) men killed, 1 officer and 27 
men wounded. 

It was on May 13th, that Grant in a letter to the 
Secretary of War made use of the memorable words, 

n 



— 82 — 

" I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes all 
Summer." 

On the 13th, Grant recommended our old Brigade 
Commander, Carroll, for promotion to the rank of 
Brigadier-General. 

Mott's Division- was reduced to a Brigade, and 
assigned to Birney's Division. 

Whatever further might have been done in pressing 
Lee at Spottsylvania, was prevented by the heavy rain 
which commenced on the night of the 13th. 

On the 18th, Grant gave orders for the movement 
by the left flank on to Richmond. 

One road from Spottsylvania to Fredericksburg was 
now open to Lee, and on the 

Change of Base of Supplies. 

19th, the Base of Supplies was shifted from Fred- 
ericksburg to Port Royal. 

On the 20th, orders were renewed for the left flank 
movement to commence after night. 

Hancock, having the lead, marched Easterly to 
Guiney's Station, on the Fredericksburg Railroad, 
thence Southerly to Bowling Green and Mil ford, arriv- 
ing at Milford on the night of the 21st. 

On the 22d, the 2d Corps was permitted to rest 
through the day and night. 



— 83 — 

At North Anna River. 

23d, Hancock moved to the Wooden Bridge, West 
of the Fredericksburg Railroad Bridge, over the North 
Anna River, the rebel guard being intrenched on the 
North side. The guard gave way quickly, but so rapid 
was the move upon the bridge that several of the rebels 
were forced through the water. Owing to the late hour 
the Corps did not cross until the next morning. 

Regiment had 1 officer and 5 men wounded. 

Base of Supplies again Changed. 

On the 26th, Base of Supplies changed from Port 
Royal to White House. 

All the troops South of the North Anna were crossed 
back to the North side, and moved under orders to 
proceed to Hanover, a point within 20 miles of Rich- 
mond. 

On the 29th, at Hanover. 

The 2d Corps moved toward Tolopotomy Creek to 
discover the whereabouts of the enemy. He was found 
strongly fortified. 

Battle of Tolopotomy. 

On May 31st and June 1st, the Regiment was 
engaged with the enemy at Pleasant Hill, known as 
the Battle of Tolopotomy. 



— 84 — 
4 men killed, 3 officers and 13 men wounded. 

Cold Harbor. 

From June 1st to 3d, at Cold Harbor. 

1 officer and 6 men wounded. 

On June 5th, Grant determined upon moving the 
Army South of the James. 

On Evening of the 13th, 2d Corps was at Charles 
City Court House, on the James River. 

Crossing of James River. 

On the 14th, 2d Corps crossed in the advance, using 
bridge and boats. 

Arrived in Front of Petersburg. 

On the 15th, arrived after dark in front of Peters- 
burg, and relieved Smith's troops in the trenches. 
16th to 18th, continuous fighting. 

2 men killed, 3 officers and 11 men wounded. 

On the 22d, the 2d Corps was moved to the left to 
draw the enemy out, or to compel him to remain within 
his lines. He staid in, and now began the Siege of 
Petersburg, with the 9th Corps on the Right, then the 
5th, 2d Corps next, and then the 6th broken off to 
the South. 



— 85 — 
The next movement was not until 

Deep Bottom. 

July 26th, when the 2d Corps and the Cavalry 
crossed the James River to Deep Bottom, for the pur- 
pose of drawing some of Lee's forces to the North side 
of the James, pending the Explosion of the Mine which 
had been worked in front of the 9th Corps, commencing 
on June 25th, and was now ready to be fired. 

On the 29th, the 2d Corps was brought back to the 
James, and crossed over at night, with orders to proceed 
to that part of the line where the Mine was located. 

Explosion of Mine. 

The Explosion was in itself a success, but history 
records a complete failure in result. 

On August 13th and 14th, to keep Lee from sending 
troops to the Valley against Sheridan, the 2d Corps, 
part of the 10th, and Gregg's Division of Cavalry, 
were crossed over the James, with orders not to bring 
on a battle. 

Battle of Charles City Cross Roads. 

It was quite a severe move for the Regiment, an 
engagement • with the rebels at Charles City Cross 



— 86 — 

Roads on the 15th resulting in 2 men killed, 1 officer 
and 16 men wounded, and several captured, who suf- 
fered the horrors of Salisbury for many months, some 
of them dying for want of food, water and shelter. 

On the night of the 20th, withdrew from the North 
side of the James River, and Hancock and Gregg sent 
Southward to destroy the Weldon Railroad. Ream's 
Station fought on the 25th. 

Movement to Extreme Left. 

October 1st, moved with the Corps to Yellow House, 
and thence to the extreme left of the line. First line 
of enemy's works charged and carried. 

The Regiment was at this time a part of Pierce's 
Brigade, the 2d, Mott's (3d) Division, 2d Corps. 

Poplar, Spring Church. 

On the afternoon of the 2d, the 84th, with other 
troops, in all not a full regiment in number, with Colo- 
nel Zinn in command of the Charging Party, moved 
upon the second line at a point known as Poplar Spring 
Church. As soon as the rebel troops became aware of 
the purpose to charge, there was the disposition to 
abandon their position, but when they saw the small 
number of the Charging Party they resumed their 



— 87 — 

places behind their works, and held their musketry 
fire, keeping up the fire of their guns, until the charg- 
ing line was within a few feet, when they delivered 
such a fire, volley upon volley, as threatened to kill, or 
wound, every soldier of the 84th. As we think of that 
flood of balls, it seems incredible that none were killed, 
and only 8 wounded, 2 officers and 6 men. 

Colonel Zinn was shot, and would now be going 
around upon one natural leg, had he not successfully 
fought the Surgeon's conclusion to take the other off. 

October 4th, lay in rear of 9th Corps works, building 
forts and slashing timber. 

5th, Brigade ordered to join the Corps, and marched 
to our old position near Fort Hayes. 

6tb, Regiment sent to garrison Fort Bross, on Nor- 
folk and Petersburg Railroad, in company with a Section 
of 14th Massachusetts Battery, 2 guns, under Lieuten- 
ant George. No other troops in the vicinity. 

13th, Paymaster on hand with six months' arrears. 

October 23d, Three years had now elapsed since the 
organization of the Regiment, and the men who had 
served during that time, and were not included in the 
number of Veteran Enlistments, were honorably dis- 
charged by reason of expiration of term of service. 



— 88 — 

25th, Regiment ordered to report to Division as soon 
as possible. At 1 p.m., left Fort Bross, and joined the 
Division between the Fort and Jerusalem Plank Road. 
Lay massed during the day and night. 

26th, Moved to the left, passing the Gurley House, 
in rear of our rear line of works. Struck the Weldon 
Railroad a mile from the Yellow House. Remained 
here until 4 o'clock the next morning, when the march 
was continued toward the South Side Railroad, moving 
along a narrow road and through woods until we 
arrived about 2 p.m. near Hatcher's Run and the 
Boydton Plank Road. 

During the last 5 miles the rebel cavalry continually 
engaged our own, working around to our rear as we 
advanced, fighting at the Saw Mill shortly after we had 
passed. 

Battle of Hatcher's Run. 

Formed line of battle in open field. A break in the 
line to the right, owing to a separation of Divisions, 
was promptly noted by the enemy, who marched in by 
the flank between Pierce's and McAllister's Brigades, 
the latter having been advanced about half a mile to 
the front of Mott's Division, until his right rested on 
the Boydton Plank Road. 

It was an ill advised move on the rebel side. As 



— 89 — 

soon as noticed by McAllister, he faced his Brigade to 
the rear, charged, and took several hundred prisoners. 
Pierce's Brigade re-took the two guns which had been 
picked up by the enemy at the Plank Road. 

The Regiment had 4 men wounded and 1 missing. 
6 men were taken prisoners, but escaped. 

After dark, threw up light works at right angles with 
the Plank Road, being in such position that the shells 
from our rear reached where we lay, some going beyond 
and others exploding at our line. The enemy was both 
to the front and rear, accounted for by the fact that we 
were stretching out his extreme right. 

At 10 p.m., marched back to the old position between 
Fort Bross and Jerusalem Plank Road, arriving at 5 
p.m. on the 28th. 

29th, Moved to left and rear of Fort Hayes. 

30th, 9 p.m., Deployed along the works between Forts 
Hayes and Davis, the enemy having relieved, very 
quietly, about 300 men on our picket line, the pickets 
supposing they were being regularly relieved. 

The mistake was discovered in time to avoid any dis- 
advantage therefrom. 

Regiment back in quarters before morning. 

November 1st, Changed position to right of Fort 
Hayes, and put up tents along main line of works. 

12 



— 90 — 

5th, 12 p.m., Rebel dash on picket line, with no suc- 
cess, but with loss of 40 of their men captured. 

Quiet until the 18th, when orders were received to 
be ready to move, but prevented by heavy rain. 

Thanksgiving Dinner. 

25th, Memorable as the day when the whole Army 
was treated to a Thanksgiving Dinner, supplied by the 
people North. 

29th, Orders received to move at dark. 6 p.m., 
moved to near Southall House. 

30th, 7 a.m., Marched along rear line of works, 
about 5 miles, to between Forts Emory and Seibert, and 
commenced putting up quarters. 

December 1st, Ordered to change camp, and 

On the 2d, moved about a mile, and commenced the 
erection of Winter Quarters. 

4th, A, C, E and K Companies mustered out as 
company organizations, having completed three years' 
service. 

6th, Ordered to march at daylight of the 7th. 
It was now quite evident that the Winter of '64-5 
was not to be as other Winters had been. 



— 91 — 

Destruction of Weldon Railroad. 

On the 7th, Mott's Division marched out with the 
5th Corps and the Cavalry, the whole under command 
of Warren, under orders to destroy as much as possible 
of the Weldon Railroad. Went by way of the Jerusa- 
lem Plank Road, crossed the Nottoway River at dark> 
and bivouacked on the South side, 20 miles. 

8th, Marched at daylight, passed through Sussex 
Court House and Coman's Well, 12 miles, and 
bivouacked for the night within 2 miles of the Weldon 
Railroad. 

9th, Daylight, marched 2 miles, striking the Weldon 
Railroad near Jarrett's Station. From this point 
Southward to Bellefield, a distance of 11 miles, the 
Railroad was effectually destroyed. 

10th, The object of the Expedition having been 
accomplished, Warren started backward toward Peters- 
burg, marched 18 miles, and bivouacked for the night 
4 miles South of Sussex Court House. 

11th, Started at daylight, again passed through 
Sussex Court House, re-crossed the Nottoway River, 
stopping for the night 4 miles beyond, 11 miles. 

12th, Off again at daylight, the Regiment deployed 
as flankers, and back at our lines at 2 p.m., 16 miles. 

There were no casualties, except as will be stated, no 
rebel force having been encountered. 



— 92 — 

On the way back it was discovered that several 
Union soldiers had been murdered by guerillas, their 
bodies having been found in the woods, off the line of 
march, horribly mutilated. 

On the way down they had strayed from the road to 
lie down, being overcome by too free indulgence in the 
discovery made at one of the houses, not knowing its 
powerful after-effect. It was a terrible sequel to the 
over-taking of the seeming harmlessness of Apple Jack, 
to one not acquainted with its ardent qualities. 

The result of the discovery of the bodies was the 
order given to burn every house and other building 
anywhere near the line of march. 

13th, Moved into the woods and took position in line 
for the purpose of laying out camp and putting up 
quarters. 

14th, Erection of Winter Quarters. 



22d, Expiration of three years since muster of the 
Regiment into the Service of the United States. 



23d, Division paraded to witness the execution of 
John E. Dixon, Private 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artil- 
lery, for desertion. Dixon had made a break for the 
rebel line, but not noticing the direction of the two 



— 93 — 

lines, ran into our own line without knowing it, when 
it was learned from his words and manner that he 
supposed he was on the other side, and that his purpose 
had been to desert. 

31st, Regiment consolidated into Battalion of 4 Com- 
panies. 

Consolidation of the 84th and 57th Pa. 

This formation was preparatory to the consolidation 
of the Regiment with the 57th Pennsylvania, which 
had been made a Battalion of 6 Companies. 

The consolidation took place on January 13th, 1865. 

The consolidation was not a merger, save as to num- 
ber. The 57th composed the Right 6 Companies and 
the 84th the Left 4 Companies. 

I will venture what I think the explanation of the 
dropping of the number 84 and the retention of the 
number 57, notwithstanding it was known that the 
Colonel, Major and Adjutant of the Consolidated Regi- 
ment would be from the 84th. But it was also known 
that the retention of the number 84 would work great 
injustice to officers who had earned further promotion, 
and therefore the natural course of the command of the 
Regiment determining the number, must give way to 
the necessity which justice prompted. 



— 94 — 

Colonel Bowman was still borne on the rolls of the 
84th, though his service in the field was less than a 
year, and only half that time directly with the Regi- 
ment, and then on permanent Detached Service at 
Washington since June, 1863. It was known that he 
would not return to Field Service. 

With the number 57, Lieutenant- Colonel Zinn was 
promoted Colonel; Captain Bryan, Major; and Captain 
Perkins, of the old 57th, Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Captain Bryan had been commissioned Major of the 
84th in May, '64, nearly a year before, but could not 
be mustered as such for want of the minimum number 
admitting of 3 Field Officers, although there was not 
the 1 Field Officer doing duty with the Regiment. 

Colonel Bowman continued to rank as of the 84th 
until the middle of May, when he was mustered out, a 
month after the close of the War. 

That portion of the Inscription on the Monument 
which brings the 84th down to the date of the muster 
out of the 57th, was conceded only after months of 
earnest contention. 

The 57th continued in Pierce's Brigade. 



Second Hatcher's Run. 
February 5th, 7 a.m., marched from camp and along 



— 95 — 

Vaughan Road, crossing the picket line about 3 miles 
to North side of Hatcher's Run, and put up works. 
6 p.m., moved a mile to the right, took position under 
very heavy fire on left of the 3d Brigade, and put up 
works. 

6th, Ordered to support of 5th Corps. While on the 
way order countermanded and returned to works. 

7th and 10th, Slashing timber in front of line. 

11th, Line to our left abandoned during the night. 
5 a m., moved within new line and encamped. 

12th, Slashing timber in front of works. 

13th, Again putting up Winter Quarters, the heavy 
timbers of some of the tents being moved from the old 
camp. 

Beyond Picket Line. 

25th, Daylight, heavy firing at Fort Steadman. 6 
a.m., ordered to be packed up. 4 p.m., advanced out- 
side of picket line. Put up slight breast-works. Rebel 
charge repulsed. Took about 200 prisoners. 26th, 
1 a.m., returned to camp and again put up tents. 

27th, 10 a.m., on picket. Advanced picket posts to 
within 150 yards of enemy's line. No firing. 

28th, Received orders to be ready to move at 6 a.m., 
the 29th. 



— 96 — 

The Last Move. 

On the day that Lee arranged the assault intended 
to compel Grant to abandon his Petersburg Line, and 
thus raise the Siege of Petersburg, Grant issued the 
order for the movement of the 29th. Had Lee met 
with success on the 25th, Grant's program to end the 
War at this time would have failed. 

29th, 6 a.m., left camp near Humphrey's Station, 
inarched along Vaughan Road 3 miles, and formed line 
on right of the road. Advanced 2 miles and bivouacked 
for the night. 

30th, 7 a.m., advanced in line of battle 1 mile and 
put up works. 

31st, 1 a.m., moved 1 mile to left, and bivouacked for 
the night on Battle Field of 27th of November last. 

April 1st, 6 p.m., portion of Regiment detailed for 
picket duty. 

Evacuation of Petersburg. 

2d, 9 a.m., passed through main line of rebel works 
and marched 7 miles, to within a half mile of Peters- 
burg, and formed in line. 

70 prisoners captured by the Regiment. 4 men 
wounded. 



— 97 — 

Pursuit of Lee. 

3d, 8 a.m., marched Westward on road to Burk's 
Station in pursuit of Lee, 20 miles. 

4th, 7 a.m., in same direction, 8 miles. 6 p.m., 
bivouacked. 

5th, 1.30 a.m., in same direction. Crossed Richmond 
and Danville Railroad, and bivouacked 1 mile North 
of the Road, 12 miles. 

6th, 7 a.m., in close pursuit of Lee. 

Portion of Regiment on Skirmish Line, continually 
running into Lee's rear guard skirmishers, capturing 
prisoners, and toward night took part in the capture of 
rebel train of 200 wagons hastening on to Lynchburg. 

Prisoners captured, 90, and 1 color. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Perkins and 15 men wounded. 

7th, 7 a.m., continued the pursuit. Passed the Rich- 
mond and Danville Railroad at the High Bridge, which 
had been fired by the rebels and partly burned. Met 
the enemy in force after marching about 8 miles. 2 
men wounded. 

8th, passed through Coal Land, marching 17 miles. 
Took 40 prisoners. 

For the last three days broken-down rebel wagons, 
gun carriages and soldiers were a common sight. 



13 



— 98 — 

Surrender of Lee's Army. 

April 9th, the Last Day. 

Still in close pursuit. Went 5 miles, driving the 
enemy. 12 o'clock, ordered to halt until 2. 2 o'clock, 
ordered to halt until 4, before which hour Lee had sur- 
rendered to Grant the Army of Northern Virginia. 

The Regiment was with the advance, and about 4 
miles East of Appomattox Court House. 

Who would attempt to word the feeling following 
upon the announcement of the surrender that Sunday 
afternoon, April 9th, 1865 ? 

April 11th, 10 a.m., journeyed back 12 miles to New 
Store, away from what had been Lee's Army, and 
without seeing it. 

No Pickets Out. — No Guards On. 

From two things we knew the surrender had been 
made. The fact of the announcement and the other 
fact — there had been no pickets out, no guard on, since 
the 9th. But there had been no parading of a van- 
quished foe to meet the gaze of a triumphant Army. 
Grant had saved them that humiliation. 



— 99 — 

12th, 6 a.m., 15 miles, passed through Curville, and 
then on to Farmville. 

13th, 6 a.m., 17 miles, to near Burks Station, and 
went into camp. 

Assassination of the President. 

15th, 10 p.m., received official dispatch of the assassi- 
nation of President Lincoln on the night of the 14th, 
and his death at 7.22 o'clock on the morning of the 
15th. 

He had lived to the last day of a labor which none 
but himself could know how hard it had been to bear. 
But now how absolute his rest. The very Heaven his 
immediate reward for the saving, under God, of a 
Nation. 

16th, Moved one-third of a mile to change camp. 

19th, Ordered that all unnecessary work be suspended 
on the day of the President's funeral. 

25th, Regiment paraded to hear orders relative to the 
assassination. Officers directed to wear crape for six 
months and Colors to be draped for the same period. 

Surrender of Johnston's Army. 
28th, dispatch received announcing the surrender of 



— 100 — 

Johnston, and then the most doubtful knew that the 
War was over. 

May 2d, marched at 1 p.m., 11 miles, to Getty ville. 

3d, 6 a.m., to and across the Appomattox, passing 
through Five Forks, Amelia Court House and Scott's 
Store, 17 miles. 

4th, 6 a.m., marched 18 miles. 

5th, 5 a.m., to Manchester, opposite Richmond, arriv- 
ing at 11 a.m., 10 miles. 

Through Richmond. 

6th, 10.30 a.m., passed through Manchester, crossed 
the Pontoon Bridge over the James River, marched 
through Richmond with Colors flying and Bands play- 
ing, passing Libby Prison on the way. Crossed the 
Chickahominy River and bivouacked 4? miles North of 
Richmond, on the Fredericksburg Pike, 8 miles. 

7th, 6 a.m., through Hanover Court House and across 
the Pamunky River, 16 miles. 

8th, 6 a.m., 16 miles. 

9th, 6 a.m., 17 miles, to within one-half mile of Po 
River. 

Through Fredericksburg. 

10th, 6 a.m., crossed the Rappahannock, through 
Fredericksburg, with Colors flying and Bands playing, 



— 101 — 

and bivouacked near our old picket line of '63, and 

within 2i miles of the old camp ground at Stoneman's 

Switch, 17 miles. 

11th, 6 a.m., crossed head waters of Acquia Creek, 

16 miles. 

12th, 6 a.m., 14 miles, to near Wolf Run Shoals and 

Aqnequon River. 

13th, 5 a.m., crossed the Aquequon, and then the 

Orange and Alexandria Railroad, 16 miles. 

Final Field Camp. 

15th, 6 a.m., 6 miles, to Four Mile Run, being that 
distance from Washington, and went into final Field 
camp. 

Review 7 of the Army of the Potomac. 
June 23d, review of the Army of the Potomac in 
Washington by President Johnson. 

Review of Sherman's Army. 

24th, Review of Sherman's Army. 

The two days as one, and what a turn-out of Veterans; 
a sight the like of which never had been witnessed, and 
we think never will be again. 

From the Review, back over the Potomac for the last 
time, and but for a few days, and then the 



— 102 — 

Order for Muster-Out. 
29th, on which day was read on Dress Parade the 
Order that made, as other citizens, save in the service 
they had completed for their Country, the Soldiers who 
comprised the Field Survivors of the 84th and 57th 
Regiments Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. 

Back to Harrisburg. 

From camp near Washington to Harrisburg, there a 
closing of accounts with the Government that had, with 
the loss of 400,000 Loyal Lives and the crippling of 
300,000 Union Soldiers, and the agonies of the sorrows 
which never could be told off, been made altogether 
free. 

Into the hands of each Comrade was placed a printed 
copy of the following paper : " Parting as a Band of 
Brothers, let us cling to the memory of those tattered 
banners, under which we have fought together, and 
which, without dishonor, we have just now restored to 
the authorities who placed them in our hands. Till we 
grow gray-headed and pass away, let us sustain the 
reputation of this noble Regiment. 

" Fortune threw together two organizations, the 84th 
and 57th, to make the present command. Both Regi- 



— 103 — 

merits have been in the service since the beginning of 
the strife, and the records of both will command respect 
in all coming time. Very many of those who were 
enrolled with us have fallen, and their graves are scat- 
tered here and there throughout the South. We shall 
not forget them, and the people of this Nation must 
and will honor their memory. Comrades, Farewell." 

Then with certificates of Honorable Muster-Out, all 
matters of detail faithfully completed, and the 8th day 
of July, 1865, at hand, the "Old Eegimental Home" 
was gone, and forever. 



The War is over! But not so with its splendid 
achievements, its grand and far reaching results. 

Never was conflict waged to a better and surer end. 
Never a result attained bearing so completely upon 
true Governmental Economy. 

To the Revolution of '75 we are indebted for the 
rebellion of '61. The Revolution stands out the more 
grandly because of the resulting text — the rebellion. 
The rejection of the latter was the upholding of the 
principles of the former ; posterity's emphatic endorse- 
ment of a valued ancestry. 

Victories may be great, but not always just. Con- 
querors have vanquished peoples and thereby encom- 



— 104 — 

passed countries within their toils, and then regretted 
there was not more to do on the same line. But their 
doing was only the accomplishment of personal gain, 
the satisfaction of selfish purpose. With them war was 
a thing sought after, not a calamity to be avoided. 

Justice was not their polar star, nor did they seek 
the moral sphere as the place of their habitation. With 
them war was a vocation ordinary, and life and morals 
considerations secondary. Public standing and landed 
interests were made to depend upon military record. 
Conquered territory was divided as would be now the 
spoils of the theft, among the participators in the act and 
in proportion to the extent of the service done. What a 
mistake, how grievous a wrong, to review on the printed 
page the tenacity of an Alexander, or the vigor of a 
Napoleon, for the purpose of comparing the wars of 
their armies with the deeds of patriotism and of valor 
that moved the six fighting years of the Revolution, or 
the four years of the rebellion. 

No man this side the Atlantic forced the Revolution. 
It was the outcome of oppression that ill fitted a people 
who had crossed from the other shore, not to bear 
greater burden, but that they might be full free from 
the crush of wrong. In its beginning not aggressive, 
but defensive. A year passed by before it was deter- 



— 105 — 

mined that the yoke should be fully thrown off and 
absolute independence moved for. 

And so it was, when along in the after years came 
the overt acts of treason that were to force States into 
rebellion, against the will of their people, every effort, 
reasonable and unreasonable, was made to conciliate the 
men whose only desire was not Union, but disintegra- 
tion. So far did some of the most prominently active, 
and, I may add, patriotic men of our Country, go in 
their determination to avoid a resort to arms, that the 
very amendment to the Constitution of these United 
States that forever forbids the institution of slavery* 
would have been, in number, the amendment that would 
have fastened slavery upon the Country forever, had it 
not been that just then treason grasped for too much 
and thereby lost all. Now, when all is safe, it moves 
us to a condition of agony to recall that in the Winter 
of '60 and '61, so weighty was the power of the then 
South, that among the men of our Country, those of 
best repute, were found so many, who, to avert war, 
were ready to surrender everything, save the theory of 
a Central Government for all the States, and the bare 
privilege to look at the Old Flag. 

Our Country is great, our Government is powerful, 
but no thanks are owing to compromisers for the great- 
ness of the one or the power of the other. 

14 



— 106 — 

Treason's eagerness for the capture of all saved one 
generation from the commission of a wrong that the 
good deeds of all the coming generations could not 
have atoned for. 

It is well to be on guard always. 

And what of the present ? 

The once soldiers of the confederacy are entitled, as 
individuals, to every manly consideration at our hands; 
as individuals they are as we are, men walking the 
journey of life, reaching out to one common goal. But 
their organized bodies have no claim upon us for recog- 
nition. The Government should have taken the life 
from every " camp " at the birth, and its strong arm 
should have swept from its soil the first monument to 
rebellion, with the warning that the placing of the 
second would be known as treason. 

They have been asking that the War be forgotten, 
and yet they would keep us daily reminded by the 
flaunting of the confederate bars. 

No monument to treason should have been permitted 
a place on this or other Field, and being here should be 
returned to the donors, not to be erected elsewhere. 

No Government is strong enough to glorify treason 
against itself, nor to encourage it anywhere. 

The individual I would take most heartily by the 
hand, the organization I discard. 



— 107 — 

There can be no true call for a union of the blue and 
the gray. Let all don the blue. In place of waiting for 
the chasm to be closed, flank it and locate upon our 
side. The chasm itself can do no harm. It will be a 
thing well to look upon at times, and take warning 
from as the divider of great depth and impassable 
width. 

As in Heaven, so in Earth, to dwell together as 
brothers, all must be of one mind, patriots upholding 
the one Flag, standing fast by the Red, White and 
Blue. 

When true history of our day comes to be written, 
all things will be made plain. With the faithful his- 
torian, it is not the question of the doing, but of the 
thing done. Just as when we look upon the completed 
work of the sculptor, or the finished touch of the 
painter, it is not of the marble, or the canvas and the 
material laid upon it that we think, but of the figure 
before us, as we note perfection in every line, and see 
life in the seeming light of the eye, and apparent 
movement of muscle. 

History gives little heed to men, save to designate 
the moral character of the age. 

And now, Comrades, for the part taken by the 84th 
Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers in the 
setting of the page which will commemorate the work 



— 108 — 

of our time, a grateful Commonwealth has placed upon 
this spot this weight of granite. 

To the living it is, and to the people yet to come it 
will be, the visible proof of the deeds of heroism which 
located a part of the life of the men who bore the 
names that make up the Roll of a Command, whose 
record among the Archives of the Nation is without 
the semblance of a blur or particle of a stain. Clear, 
positive, clean cut all the way through. Do we advance 
sentiment only, when we say that such a body did not, 
could not have died in '65 ? Is there nothing of sub- 
stance, nothing real, to come out of the thought, that 
as our Country lives, so we as a Regiment go on, living 
in the freedom of a land and the stability of a Govern- 
ment, neither of which would now be, without senti- 
ment, the spring of human life ? 

The Memorial which is here placed speaks from all 
along the line, from Bath to Appomattox. 

For the moment it moves aside, and where it was, 
and within the lengthening of its shadow, we see them 
all, and as we glance from right to left, from front to 
rear, one is taken from here, another from there, one by 
one, from the highest in rank to the lowest, from the 
oldest in years to the youngest, the man and the boy ; 
first the 230 in the time of the War, then the many 
who have left us in the days that have intervened ; and 



— 109 — 

then comes the Shaft into the space which was made 
for it. We look upon it now, and know that it stands 
for them. The time is coming when it will stand for all 
whose names made up a Regimental Roll. 

Then, and not till then, shall we know that our work 
here is fully done. 

Two years ago, at the Reunion held at Huntingdon, 
a Committee was appointed to secure for our Regiment 
the benefit of the Act of Assembly appropriating money 
for the purchase of Monuments for Pennsylvania Com- 
mands and their erection on the Field of Gettysburg. 
I will not enter upon a recital of the details of that 
Committee's work, but simply report that it is com- 
pleted. 

In so far as it may be the part of the Committee so 
to do, I now on its behalf turn over to you, Captain 
Johnson, as the Vice-President of the Regimental 
Association and its acting President, and as such the 
Representative of the Survivors of the 84th, this 
Memorial of its Service in the War of the Rebellion. 



